LOI preview: Dublin derby live on RTE2 tonight

The biggest derby in Irish football comes around again on Friday night, with the RTÉ cameras set to broadcast the game live.

Before the break it seemed like there was little chance of Shamrock Rovers being stopped on the quest for three in a row.

However, Dundalk's victory last week has brought a chink of light for the chasing pack.

The Lilywhites are emerging as the most likely challenger, now in second place, with Derry City continuing to struggle.

The Candystripes have picked up just four points in their last seven matches.

While Shamrock Rovers have a small stumble, they've been able to move further clear of Ruadhri Higgins’ side who sit in third spot.

Tonight’s opposition for the Hoops, Bohemians, are part of a group of clubs chasing European football next season.

Whatever happens in the title race, Bohs will be part of a large group of clubs competing for a top four position

]t was a timely boost for Keith Long’s men when they hung on against 10-man Shels for a large part of the second half.

Reinforcements have arrived to be able to play from July, and any positive result away to their arch-rivals will change the mood of discontent which has lingered in their fan base in the first part of the season.

The Hoops, meanwhile, are preparing for their European campaign, starting in two weeks, and this game and a re-arranged fixture in Inchicore on Monday, are important for going into their summer season in good form.

Their performance in Oriel Park was a flat one and there’ll be no room for a repeat against their cross-city enemy.

Dundalk will try to close the gap further if there is a surprise result in Tallaght Stadium.

They face Shels at Tolka Park, with the home side still irked by not getting back into the game in Dalymount.

Ther