LOI preview: Shelbourne in pole position for fourth

Shelbourne are in pole position to secure a fourth place finish in the League of Ireland Premier Division and with it a possible place in the Europa Conference League next year.

Shels boss Damien Duff has worked wonders with just six defeats in 35 matches, far outperforming their resources.

Now back by a takeover from Hull City owner Acun Ilıcalı, the future looks bright for the Tolka Park side after almost two decades of largely struggling.

Tonight's race for fourth place is complex and also could be fruitless in the quest for European football.

Dundalk and Bohemians still have an outside chance of sneaking into fourth.

Stephen O’Donnell has put off-field concerns aside to oversee a strong end to the campaign, beating Sligo Rovers and Bohs 2-0 to give themselves a chance.

They not only need a win in UCD tonight but will also go in search of a big score to improve their chances.

Bohs have paid the price for a poor second half of the season. Seven wins in their last 20 games has left them down in sixth place and needing a lot to go their way.

Cork City, consigned to the play-off and sure to have an eye on that game, are the visitors to Dalymount Park tonight.

The permutations are as follows.

Simple?

The final equation relates to the FAI Cup final. Bohemians will take the Conference League spot should they lift the trophy on Sunday 12 November.

As such the Gypsies still have two chances and the Cup certainly represents their best opening.

Elsewhere second place will be decided when Derry City host St Patrick’s Athletic.

City will look to take advantage from Pat’s knowing the Cup final is in nine days’. They just need a point to take second spot.

The final game sees champions Shamrock Rovers prepare to lift the trophy against Sligo Rovers