LOI preview: Hoops moving towards fourth title as Shelbourne visit

Shamrock Rovers are edging closer towards a fourth league title in succession with Damien Duff's Shelbourne the visitors to Tallaght Stadium tonight.

The shock result of the season came last week when Stephen Bradley’s side were unable to breakdown UCD.

That was an unthinkable outcome against the struggling Students but Derry City’s loss in Sligo made it a positive night for the champions.

Derry will welcome College to the Ryan McBride Brandywell in what is probably their best hope of reducing the five-point lead with five matches to go.

It’s now or never for Derry with the matches dwindling away.

The Hoops have yet to beat Shels this year. The RTE cameras will be in Dublin to see if the visitors can continue their push for a remarkable third-place finish as they continue their rise of Republic of Ireland great Duff.

Derry rued refereeing decisions in Sligo and may well have had a case. Regardless they were flat on the night in The Showgrounds with the home draw with Shamrock Rovers and the disappointment that came with it possibly a factor.

Ruaidhri Higgins will be determined to at least see his side take it to the final couple of games as a UCD side now relegated head north.

Elsewhere there is a rehearsal for next week’s FAI Cup semi-final when Cork City host St Patrick’s Athletic at Turner’s Cross.

The home side look destined for the relegation play-off after the 5-0 loss to Dundalk on Monday.

A managerial change followed with Richie Holland taking over. This game will be preparation for next week’s Cup tie and the play-off which is very likely to come.

Pat’s were in the title race until last Monday when Drogheda United turned them over.

A European and FAI Cup final place would resemble a good outcome for Jon Daly who remains