LOI preview: Dublin derby and new faces in Cork City v St Patrick's Athletic

The Dublin derby meeting of first and second in the table dominates the action tonight in the League of Ireland Premier Division but there will be plenty of eyes on Turner's Cross as well.

A title race involving the fiercest rivals in the league, Shamrock Rovers and Bohemians, would bring huge interest as the year goes on. Tonight’s game will be broadcast live on RTÉ2 in front of a sold out Tallaght crowd.

After registering a string of draws early on, the Hoops are beginning to dominate and have moved to second in the table.

Bohs stand in their way, currently with a four-point cushion thanks to nine wins from 13 matches so far.

The previous meeting showed the class of the champions – a 2-0 win in Dalymount – and they registered the same scoreline in Derry last week to make another statement.

The Gyspsies have targeted European football from the outset this year and a tilt for the title seems unlikely.

Nevertheless, victory here would put them in a massive position of control for the European race and allow them dream further.

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Morale-sapping defeats and managerial resignations came for Cork City and St Patrick’s Athletic in the last week.

Tim Clancy departed with his assistant Jon Daly taking up for the mantle for tonight and possibly further.

Liam Buckley was appointed sporting director at Cork City with his first task becoming an interim co-manager gig with Liam Kearney following Colin Healy’s exit.

Buckley will help pick a new boss on Leeside. He spoke yesterday about the importance