LOI preview: Hoops aim to make league a one-horse race

Shamrock Rovers players, management and supporters were celebrating for a multitude of reasons in the last week and now their real test is on the way.

With narrow wins of Dublin rivals Bohemians and St Patrick's Athletic secured, the Hoops were seeing off, not teams which are likely to challenge them at the head of the table, but some of their most difficult games they face in a regular series.

As such, they’ve moved 10 points clear of Dundalk and one further clear of Derry City. While there are additional games for the main challengers to come, you would struggle to find many people who think the league trophy is heading anywhere but Tallaght Stadium.

More concerning for the chasing pack is the two wins came when the Hoops were without some of their key men. Jack Byrne, Danny Mandriou, Richie Towell and impact player Neil Farrugia were all missing on Monday as a youthful bench took its place in Richmond Park.

News of the Hoops’ interest in Darragh Burns this week is another worrying sign for the rest of the league. Having taken Andy Lyons from Bohs, another top young talent heading to the champions would further enhance their dominance.

Tonight’s fixture in Finn Park is the final domestic game before the beginning of the Champions League campaign on Tuesday. Injuries mean Stephen Bradley cannot shuffle his pack as he may wish, but he is certainly in a position to blood one or two youngsters in order to keep some stars fresh for the game with Hibernians.

Harps showed their famous resolution in securing a draw with St Pat’s in the dying stages last week having been 2-0 down. Ollie Horgan said it hasn’t been seen enough this season and they will have to be at their very best to get anything from this game.

Bohemians and Derry