LOI preview: Shels aim to keep Hoops and Derry at bay

The LOI mid-season break only lasts a week, yet feels a moment to take stock for nearly every club.

How do you assess the Premier Division?

Shelbourne and Derry City are in a prime position.

The success of the north Dublin side may come as a suprise, but the Candystripes have been this spot before.

Shamrock Rovers are further behind than ever before.

Then come the promoted teams Waterford and Galway United exceeding a natural expectation of trying to stay up and aiming for Europe.

St Patrick's Athletic and Bohemians will feel they should be in the mix, although their overall form hasn't matched it.

Dundalk, Sligo Rovers and Drogheda United battle to stay out of the bottom two.

It's very clear there will be a lot of positional change in the remaining four months of the season and expectations may go out the window.

The categories the team fit into may change.

Shelbourne v Galway United, Tolka Park, 7.45p

Shelbourne will be vary of a seasoned Galway United side despite their collective lack of experience in the top flight.

Damien Duff has made a rare admission than United may be a step ahead in one department.

Duff said ahead of the game: "The break came at a good time, obviously Paddy Barrett and Sean Boyd missed out for the Waterford game.

"They're back fit. The only person to miss the game on Friday will be Mark Coyle, who’s suspended for one game, thankfully just the one. Aside from that, we’re all fit and raring to go."

The teams have shared 1-0 victories so far this season which has led to Duff valuing their opponents so highly.

However, a game in mid-summer may suit his own team more, or so feels.

"I think it’ll be different to the games that came before. The pitch certainly wasn’t in great shape back then in Tolka. I think