LOI preview: O'Donnell makes Richmond Park return

The most talked about move in the League of Ireland off-season will be back on the agenda tonight as Stephen O’Donnell returns to Richmond Park as Dundalk manager for the first time.

After leading the Saints to the FAI Cup last November, the 36-year-old shocked many people by departing Inchicore to move to the side he had huge success with as a player.

It led to lots of bad feeling, fall-out and a number of players departing Inchicore for Louth.

The RTE Sport cameras will be on site to bring the game live to a national audience and while both camps have attempted to play it down this week, there is no doubt there is an extra spice to this league fixture.

This is the final game of the first series of matches of the Premier Division. Patterns had been emerging but last Friday’s games, and results in re-arranged fixtures, have condensed the table once more.

The Saints and the Lilywhites are separated by just two points with Tim Clancy’s men having the advantage.

As well the grudge element, this is an important fixture in keeping up with the sides around them.

Indeed second place Shamrock Rovers have as many positions as points between themselves and eighth place Drogheda United.

It leaves a picture where little ground has been lost for the sides chasing Europe, while Derry City, in action on Saturday against Finn Harps, have made the most and are now set to mount a title challenge.

Shamrock Rovers trail by six points in what is a surprise turn of events but an exciting one for those who are seeking a race for the league crown.

They play in a venue they once used as a home, Tolka Park, in what will be a sell-out fixture in north Dublin.

The Hoops will be keen to reel in Derry as soon as possible as the quarter-mark is reached tonight.

F