LOI preview: Title in Shels hands with Hoops in wings

The biggest night in the League of Ireland in a decade is here as Shelbourne look to clinch the league crown, knowing Shamrock Rovers are waiting in the wings to win a historic fifth league title in succession.

In many league seasons there is a clear winner, even if a table is tight, where one side looks like a champion in waiting.

Whether that can be said for either of these teams is up for debate. One thing that can't be contested is how entertaining the year has been.

Every side, perhaps excluding Dundalk, has had good periods and shown qualities within their team.

The defining aspect of Shelbourne could be losing two key men to other clubs in the middle of the season.

Series 1 and 2 was their dominant period where they were reeling off victories.

Will Jarvis was recalled by Hull City and Aberdeen, now riding high in Scotland, triggered a release clause for Gavin Molloy.

If they had kept those players, the race would likely be over.

Games such as the 0-0 draw with Sligo Rovers and two 1-1 draws with Bohemians, where they could have been won or lost, may have swung the Reds' way with extra attacking quality or their talisman at the back.

Injuries also were a factor and that was certainly the case for Shamrock Rovers earlier in the season.

They are undoubtedly at their strongest now.

Shelbourne are the front runners to land the League of Ireland title tomorrow, but defending champions Shamrock Rovers are ready to pounce if they slip up

Hear from Stephen Bradley and Damien Duff ahead of the decisive games @Corktod #RTESoccer pic.twitter.com/E3N4XRkkwf

Their clash with Waterford is unlikely to cause them too much trouble based on the Blues' form.

Earlier in the season Keith Long’s side scored three times in Tallaght to claim victory,