LOI preview: Rested sides looks to profit on Monday

The first round of Monday matches in the League of Ireland brings opportunities for the sides who missed out playing last Friday night, including champions Shamrock Rovers taking on likely title rival Derry City.

Two matches were postponed due to snow, meaning four teams will not play a double-header.

While it may be preferable to play matches at this stage of the year, it may be a factor going into games this evening.

The highlight of the round is last season's top two facing off in Tallaght.

Derry gave the first sign they are ready to mount another challenge when coming from behind to win last Friday.

With Stephen Bradley's side looking for a first win of year in the league, it's a good time to renew the rivalry between the teams.

Bradley said: "It will be another difficult game. They've been a good team; they've invested heavily in the last two years in their group and when you sign someone like Patrick Hoban you obviously bring goals to the team, so we know it's going to be a difficult game, but I feel we're in a good place. You look at the last hour of last week, we know what we need to improve on, but if we bring that standard into the game, I think we'll be fine.

"We wanted to play the game, there's no doubt about that. This team is at its best when it’s playing games regularly so we wanted to play. But nobody could do anything, the weather’s the weather."

Seán Hoare, Jack Byrne and Trevor Clarke remain out but should return early this month.

Aaron McEneff, Seán Kavanagh and Neil Farrugia face longer on the sidelines. Farrugia has had shoulder surgery and face "a few weeks" out according to Bradley.

Derry boss Ruaidhri Higgins feels his players can take the impact of their late victory last week to Dublin.

He said: