LOI preview: Derry challenged to conquer the Hoops

The upcoming double round of games will pit the title challengers against each other, beginning with tonight's televised clash of Derry City and champions Shamrock Rovers.

Without doubt the pressure is on Derry this weekend.

The Hoops and St Patrick’s Athletic will visit the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium with the three sides separated by just two points.

However, City’s run of five points from as many matches has been something of a concern.

An unbeaten period would certainly raise hopes they can maintain a tilt at finally toppling Stephen Bradley’s side.

In the opposite corner come a side warming to the task as they typically do this time of year.

Shamrock Rovers swatted Sligo Rovers aside with ease last week. While they are down bodies in attack, Aaron Greene came to the fore in Tallaght Stadium and the 3-0 scoreline was a fair reflection of the game. It could have been more in truth.

With several stars to return in the coming weeks, this is the time Derry must capitalise on their home patch.

The leaders Shelbourne will travel alone tonight when taking on a resolute Galway United side.

The north Dublin outfit will serve a punishment for the throwing of an object last month.

It’s unfortunate timing after a first loss of the season last Friday. Duff was unworried by the out come of the game. However it will be telling how they respond in this encounter.

There’s also a huge game in terms of the bottom of the table.

Dundalk once again failed to score as they slipped to a sixth loss in 10 matches last Monday against Bohemians.

Now facing a side that could be in the mix with them to avoid the drop, it's a real six-pointer in The Showgrounds.

After a promising opening to the season Sligo have slumped to back-to-back 3-0 losses in the