LOI preview: Shelbourne seek to knock Derry City out of title race

The Premier Division title race continues into to the penultimate weekend with the possibility of Derry City being eliminated tonight, as Shelbourne look to strengthen their position at the top.

How simple that sounds.

Last week's round produced four victories for the sides gunning for the title, eliminating Galway United from the mix.

Now there are four, with St Patrick’s Athletic unlikely to impact top spot unless a bizarre set of results occur.

It looks a three-horse race. Shelbourne and likely Derry City have it in their hands with the Candystripes holding a six-goal superior goal difference to Shamrock Rovers.

The Hoops are not in action until Sunday due to their UEFA Conference League exploits last night.

They are waiting to pounce should the top two drop points in the final fortnight.

City and Shels play on the final day, with a possible scenario that they could draw to ruin both of their chances and allow the reigning champions to make it five on the spin.

The Hoops have yet to go top this season and could do it on the final day after 35 matches being in the chasing pack.

Attention first will be on Tolka Park to see if Shels can maintain their advantage or even grow it.

Drogheda's fate is sealed after Bohemians stretched clear of the play-off place last week. They may opt to rest some key players with time on their hands before the FAI Cup final and their clash with the First Division side.

That may play into the hands of Shels. It will be a Tolka Park high on nervous energy as they seek a remarkable league success.

Victory would mean that they could be champions by the end of the week, should Shamrock Rovers drop points in Dundalk.

After finally ending their wait for a victory last week, hopes will be high that Shels can