LOI preview: Derry and Dundalk desperate for victory

The April and May period is the most hectic in the League of Ireland as another round of matches is here.

The Bank Holiday week programme saw just one side win both matches (Shamrock Rovers) and one lose both (Waterford), giving us a congested looking table outside of the sides at the opposites ends.

Shelbourne remain the outstanding performer in the league – at least in results – as they hold an eight-point lead at the top.

At the other end Dundalk continue to struggle with just three draws from their eight matches.

Tonight's matches bring the first quarter of the campaign to an end.

The clash of Derry City and Dundalk at the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium is crucial to how they will feel at this mark.

Derry have gone off the boil with a single point from their last three matches and while they are level on points with Shamrock Rovers, they can’t afford such a dramatic loss in form if they want to be a serious force in the title race.

Dundalk simply need a start. The clean sheet against Drogheda and another point on the board was a small consolation on a frustrating Monday afternoon.

They will come up against many of their former stars in the game, how ironic it would be if this is where their first win came from.

There’s another blockbuster Dublin derby as St Patrick’s Athletic, buoyed by a big win four days ago, welcome the champions Shamrock Rovers to Inchicore.

As expected, the Hoops are beginning a run of victories with their away win in Waterford on Monday a third in as many games.

The match sold out two days ago.

Leaders Shelbourne travel to Drogheda aiming to complete the first round of matches unbeaten and possibly extend their eight-point advantage.

Alan Reynolds will take charge of Bohemians in Dalymount Park against the