LOI preview: Unbeaten Derry seek to down Damien Duff's Shelbourne

The conclusion of the international break quickly leads into the seventh series of fixtures in the SSE Airtricity Premier Division as title-chasing Derry City visit Tolka Park in the live game on RTÉ2.

City have made a good start to the season yet will also feel disappointed at their last two home results, particularly in a patchy performance against Sligo Rovers.

As Shamrock Rovers continues to stutter, Derry could have really turned up the pressure on the champions, but two draws against Dundalk and Sligo did little to do so.

Nevertheless, this year's league is proving to be ultra-competitive outside of UCD.

Shels will provide Derry with another stringent test, buoyed by a professional display in Cork last time out which took them into the top half of the table.

Duff’s side have conceded just three goals in six matches and their home record is particularly strong, holding Shamrock Rovers and inflicting the only defeat for Bohemians so far this season.

Away from the televised game, Shamrock Rovers will seek their first league win six weeks into the season with another tricky away trip.

Dundalk, like Shels, hold very strong home form, dismantling St Patrick’s Athletic as part of 10 points from a possible 12 in their last four games.

Stephen Bradley has continually tried to give a calm exterior to this surprise beginning of the season.

Tonight’s match, coupled with the first Dublin derby against a Bohemians side currently 10 points superior, will go a long way to deciding if this has been a blip or if it will really turn into a time of crisis.

The Hoops have dominated the league for three years, so it is unfamiliar territory, and they will need to be at their best in these matches.

Johnny Kenny bagged the winner for the Republic of