LOI preview: Five-way title race could ignite tonight

A five-way title race could emerge from tonight's League of Ireland Premier Division fixtures, while Shamrock Rovers know they can begin to knock back their rivals with a win.

The Hoops are looking for a historic four in a row league success but have by their own high standards disappointed somewhat this year.

Four points clear with nine games to go is a satisfying place to be. Failing at the first hurdles in Europe and the FAI Cup has put added incentive on retaining their league crown once more.

They had been on course for a deserved win over Shelbourne last time out in the league only to concede from a corner in stoppage time, leaving Stephen Bradley and his players two weeks to mull over it due to the Cup action.

Tonight they can take a huge step forward knowing at least one rival will slip up, as well as being able to put another out of the race in opponents in Dundalk.

In truth the Lilywhites are the rank outsiders of the equation, currently eight points off top. However they could reduce that gap to five if they can repeat the last meeting with the champions when they knocked them out of the Cup.

Derry City have had some genuine heartbreak in the last week and face a real test of character in the aftermath.

Performances have been good, but two penalty shootout losses saw them exit Europe and relinquish the FAI Cup.

Notwithstanding, they are in with a great chance of winning a long-awaited league crown.

The credentials will be tested at one of the hardest away venues in the country.

Bohemians have used their time out of Europe well, moving level on points with City and five off their arch-rivals Shamrock Rovers.

The Dublin sides will clash in a derby next week, so a positive result for Bohs could transform their season into a