LOI preview: Title and relegation issues back on agenda

It's been six weeks since four SSE Airtricity Premier Division matches were held on a Friday night.

With Europe dominating proceedings, thoughts will slowly switch back towards domestic action and there are some mammoth games tonight.

Derry City can put themselves into a position to challenge for the title as they welcome Shamrock Rovers to the Brandywell, fresh from their group stage qualification.

With the Hoops playing last Tuesday and their play-off game not beginning until next Thursday, it has given the league an opportunity to play out a crucial game at the top of the table.

Elsewhere Dundlak will look to take advantage of the team above and below them clashing tonight.

They travel to Dalymount Park to take on a Bohemians team still sore from their surprise loss in Sligo last week after taking a one-goal lead.

There are also two massive games at the bottom, with Finn Harps hosting UCD in a pivotal fixture in the race to avoid automatic relegation.

Harps finally had something to cheer last week and they were stylish in their victory over Drogheda.

United host a well-rested Shelbourne side after a controversial postponement last week.

Shels are real contenders for Europe, sitting just five points off fourth with some games to play, while Drogs will be conscious they could be sucked closer to the bottom two positions again.

Every fixture has a great deal riding on it tonight with a number of positional changes possible at the end of the night.

Derry City v Shamrock Rovers, Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium, 7.45pm

Shamrock Rovers sought to have this game postponed or deferred to later in the week but Derry City insisted it be played tonight.

Given its importance, it's no surprise. The Candystripes wobbled for the second series of