LOI preview: Shels face Derry rematch as action begins

The most-anticipated League of Ireland season ever is upon us with three Premier Division matches taking place on the first Friday night of the season.

Many false dawns have occurred in football in Ireland, with a boom and bust cycle well worn over the decades.

It remains to be seen if that is a thing of the past but for now there is so much to be excited about and built upon.

The main event will come on Sunday with a record attendance for a league game set to put the discussion around facilities even more prevalent.

Tonight will be about new challenges for the six teams opening proceedings.

Damien Duff's Shelbourne take on one of the sides they beat to become league title last year in Derry City.

How the weight of being champions burdens Shels, or even if it does, remains to be seen.

The President’s Cup showed a much-improved overall squad and a potential star in Mipo Odubeko.

Ellis Chapman had a cameo appearance late on with the Reds looking sharp and ready for a fast start.

Derry were left embarrassed by how their season fizzled out in 2024, with hopes for a double ending with the trophy being lifted by another team on their turf.

That was followed by Drogheda United causing an upset at the Aviva Stadium.

With a new manager at the helm in Tiernan Lynch, they’ve assembled a squad with huge experience at a high level, including ex-internationals, while keeping some of the big names from the previous era.

It’s difficult to know what to expect from Derry, but signings from the Scottish Premiership and League 1 bode well.

If Lynch can put together a hungry side, they could enter the title race from the start.

Many are tipping St Patrick's Athletic to be top of the pile come November with Stephen Kenny doing astute business in the