Preview: Derry and Dundalk look to raise title hopes

European matters have been dominating proceedings when it comes to the League of Ireland, but the small matter of the title race will be back on the agenda this evening.

With Shamrock Rovers moving closer to European group stage qualification, a packed schedule awaits, leaving Dundalk and Derry City with an opportunity to make ground when the demands are high on the Dublin side.

Despite Derry's huge mid-season wobble, and Dundalk being in year one of the Stephen O’Donnell era, they are both still in the mix to challenge the Hoops.

Tonight the game can close to as few as four points, and with Stephen Bradley’s side facing a trip to the Brandywell next week in between their European game, a race which seemed already run could be alive again.

Elsewhere tonight, a struggling Finn Harps side are now bottom of the table and in desperate need for points as Drogheda United visit.

United have performed way beyond expectations as manager Kevin Doherty has somehow made up for the lost of a host of key players in the off-season.

UCD secured a point in Head in the Game Park on Monday to move above Harps, and with the sides meeting in a week’s time, the Donegal outfit need some momentum.

Dundalk v Derry City, Oriel Park, 7.45pm

There is added spice to this game tonight in the aftermath of Mark Connolly's switching to Derry City following the expiry of his loan from Dundee United to Dundalk.

The sides drew 2-2 at Oriel Park on the opening night of the season, while Dundalk recorded a 2-1 victory at the Brandywell in May.

"There will obviously be a lot of focus on the lads in the Derry team who are coming back to Oriel Park," Lilywhites boss Stephen O'Donnell told the club website.

"A lot of them had a good history with Dundalk. They are all good