LOI Preview: Shamrock Rovers seek crucial points at buoyant Shelbourne

Shelbourne v Shamrock Rovers, Tolka Park, 7.45pm

For two sides involved in FAI Cup quarter-final action on Sunday, the emotions at full-time couldn't have been more contrasting.

While Shelbourne ended a run of poor results by beating Bohemians convincingly and moving a step closer to a dream decider, Shamrock Rovers' extra-time defeat at Derry City means their focus will solely be on the SSE Airtricity League title defence and the remaining UEFA Europa Conference League group games.

Given the packed schedule and the distances covered over the last fortnight, extra-time up at the Brandywell was not ideal for Stephen Bradley's side even with the advantage of the deepest squad in the league.

But regardless, the Hoops will have to lift themselves with in-form Derry breathing down their necks in the league. There's a one point gap between the teams but Rovers do have two games in hand going into tonight's game and manager Stephen Bradley has not been playing down the significance of the coming week or two which will see them host UCD on Sunday, Sligo Rovers next Saturday, before the journey to Norway for the away game at Molde on 6 October.

"We know that this is a big week for us, the next three games but this is what you want," he said.

"You want big games and we've got that this week. They're games we want to go and try and take maximum points from, but we also know that they'll be difficult. We can't start like we did in Derry or Gent or we won't win either game but if we hit our levels we can go and win all three."

Bradley is wary of the threat posed by a Shels team buoyed by the manner of their win over Bohs.

"They've just come off the back of a brilliant win. They deserved to win 3-0 so we know that they're coming into the game