LOI preview: Shels seek response as Dundalk look up

Four matches take place tonight in the ever-changing Premier Division with focus returning to leaders Shelbourne and if they can handle a Dundalk side finally able to win on the road.

The 2024 season continues to throw up plot twists and leave many predictions open to ridicule.

The surprise package of the season Shels had a golden chance to open up a gap on Shamrock Rovers last week when Sligo Rovers visited Tolka Park.

Damien Duff admitted the visitors "did a job" on the leaders and it allowed the Hoops to immediately rectify the loss to their fellow Dublin side the week previously.

Once again the champions will sit on the sidelines and let their rivals test themselves.

International call-ups allowed the Hoops and Bohemians to call off their games, so their derby meeting will come later in the season, with another to follow in the FAI Cup.

Dundalk looked a much more simpler opposition to face a few weeks ago – at least away from home.

Seven defeats in nine games outside of Oriel Park left them rooted to the foot of the table.

Taking three points from Richmond Park on Monday ended that run and moved them above Drogheda United.

Derry City didn't garner as many headlines when swotting aside Waterford FC with relative ease last Monday.

It hasn’t been convincing from City so far this year and a serious injury to Patrick McEleney did put a dampener on the evening.

Nonetheless they are within touching distance of top spot once more. Galway United visit the Brandywell tonight looking to bounce back from a first defeat in nine last week.

Two sides reeling from Bank Holiday losses clash at Weavers Park.

Drogheda United have failed to take a point in their last four games and face a big task to get out of the bottom two now.

St Patrick’s