Thrilling finish awaits for most captivating League of Ireland season

The 2024 League of Ireland season has delivered a spectacle unmatched in recent memory, thrilling all of us right up to tonight's decisive fixtures.

With Shelbourne and Shamrock Rovers both on the cusp of claiming the title, the culmination of it all promises to be an unforgettable chapter in Irish football.

The 2024 season won't be forgotten quickly. This season has been a rollercoaster of twists, turns and strategic gambles that have led us to this dramatic climax.

The word "permutations" has been used a lot over recent weeks, encapsulating the complex web of possibilities that could lead us to the champions.

From a resurgence of form to unexpected player departures, each side's journey tells a story involving suspense and resilience. Shamrock Rovers host Waterford in Tallaght, a match that should, by most expectations, fall in Rovers' favour.

However, the memory of their unexpected 3-1 loss to the same opponents in May lingers like a shadow.

That game marked a different time for both Rovers and Waterford.

Since then, Waterford lost Maleace Asamoah, whose pace and ball-carrying abilities played a huge part in how they played.

Add to that, Waterford’s recent form has waned, a record only slightly less grim than that of Dundalk, picking up only eight points from their last 10 games.

This is also a different Shamrock Rovers side.

Their squad is now strengthened by the return of influential players such as Dylan Watts, Lee Grace, Gary O’Neill, Darragh Burns, all of whom were missing in that May fixture.

Jack Byrne was only recently back from injury and chasing fitness.

Their recent form is a different beast to what they were producing around May.

The hard-fought victory over Dundalk, a match played in less-than-ideal conditions