LOI: Title chasers meet as Shels face test of character

Derry City and Shamrock Rovers face a potentially critical game in their bid to win the league title tonight in front of the RTÉ cameras, with leaders Shelbourne hoping to move clear.

The 2024 league season will so far be remembered for inconsistency, unpredictability and openness within the Premier Division.

Tonight's fixtures could leave much of that behind and see Shels open up a six-point gap or even see the Hoops become their main rival.

The turmoil in Dundalk this week has overshadowed the title race which could bring great excitement in the coming week.

Shamrock Rovers look like being toppled after four years of dominance in the league.

Victories over Sligo Rovers and Galway United has given them hope.

Should Shels drop points in Eamonn Deacy Park and Stephen Bradley’s side leave Derry with the victory, the champions will certainly be putting fear into their rivals.

Derry have been the nearly men when it comes to the league crown.

With one FAI Cup during the Ruaidhrí Higgings tenure, and a chance of another to come having reached the semi-finals, the question is whether they can take the step forward required to win a title.

The visit of the dominant club of this decade back in top form will tell a story.

The other two fixtures concern the battle for a European place and avoiding the drop.

St Patrick's Athletic are on a great run and face a Waterford FC outfit struggling to maintain a fantastic campaign so far.

If the Blues can turn around the form line they will eliminate the Saints in the Conference League spot shake-up.

Bohemians looked to be safe after a revival in recent weeks. Their clash with Drogheda United could be a rehearsal for the FAI Cup final.

United can put move clear of Dundalk as they go in search of a first