The top two in the Airtricity League Premier Division clash this evening at Richmond Park when leaders St Patrick’s Athletic host second place Dundalk with only goal difference separating side as they head into the final six games of the campaign.

A near capacity attendance is expected for a match that could have a vital bearing on the destination of the League title.

There is also a massive match at the bottom of the table as Shelbourne meet Bohemians at Tolka Park while Bray Wanderers travel to Derry City and UCD host third place Sligo Rovers who are still in with a shout of retaining their league title.

Meanwhile Athlone Town could wrap up the First Division title this weekend if they beat Salthill Devon and both Waterford United, who play Mervue United tonight, and Longford Town, who face Cobh Ramblers tomorrow, fail to win their games.

Premier Division

St. Patrick's Athletic v Dundalk, Richmond Park, 7.30pm 
With only goal difference separating the top two sides at present and just six games to go this promises to be a cracker. Dundalk hold the edge having twice beaten St Pat’s this season and appear to have the momentum having won seven of their last eight league games. St Pat’s left back Ian Bermingham is set to make his 150th appearance for the Saints who are without Greg Bolger (suspended) and Stephen Maher (broken leg). Midfielders Killian Brennan and Shane McFaul face late fitness tests on injuries sustained in last week’s FAI Ford Cup defeat to Shamrock Rovers. Dundalk have Darren Meenan and Chris Shiels suspended but captain Stephen O’Donnell and Dane Massey return after serving their bans.

Derry City v Bray Wanderers, Brandywell Stadium, 7.45pm
Both teams recent form hasn’t been good. Derry have lost their last three league games while Bray have recorded just one win in their last 12 league outings. The two previous meetings have both ended in wins for Derry and they are unbeaten in their last 13 games against the Seagulls. However, they will be without Barry McNamee and Ryan McBride through suspension, while Stewart Greacen (knee), Kevin Deery (knee) and Tomas Crawley (groin) are injured and Sean Houston (ankle) Dean Jarvis (knee) and Patrick McEleney (foot) are all doubtful. Club Captain Danny O'Connor (knee) is Bray's only injury doubt while Eoin Hyland (hamstring) returns.

Shelbourne v Bohemians, Tolka Park, 7.45pm
While most eyes will be on the top of the table clash across the city there will be plenty of interest in this Northside derby as both teams are currently involved in the relegation dog-fight. The previous two games ended in a 1-0 win for Bohs at Tolka and a 3-0 victory for Shels at Dalymount. Shelbourne are still without long term absentees Paul Crowley, Brian Shortall, Mark Leech and Jack Memery and they are joined in the stands by Robert Bayly (knee). Robert Cornwall is suspended but Lee Murphy and Jamie McGlynn return having been cup-tied for the Dundalk game. Bohs recent signing Neil Yadolahi has now reached full match fitness and is available for selection while Bobby Brown has joined the club as first-team manager on a short-term arrangement

UCD v Sligo Rovers, The UCD Bowl, 7.45pm
Having won the previous two games against UCD this season by three goal margins, and won 12 of their last 14 games against the College, third place Sligo Rovers will be hoping to take all three points and stay on the tails of the two leaders. UCD are without the injured Aymen Ben Mohammed and Tomas Boyle while Sligo have Raffaele Cretaro suspended but Kieran Djilali returns from a one-game ban. Evan McMillan and Ross Gaynor (both knee) have returned to training this week but are unlikely to feature.

First Division

Salthill Devon v Athlone Town, Drom Soccer Park, 7.45pm
If Waterford and Longford Town fail to win this weekend then Athlone Town can secure the League title and promotion with a win over basement side Salthill Devon though they will have to wait until Saturday night for confirmation. Roddy Collins’ side are on a 12 game unbeaten run with the last five all wins. Athlone have Paul Skinner and Phillip Gorman suspended but Enda Curran and Aidan Collins return. Salthill have Willie Enubele and Evan Preston Kelly suspended.

Waterford United v Wexford Youths, RSC, 7.45pm

The RSC has been a happy hunting ground of late for Wexford who have won on three of their last four visits and they have also taking six points out of nine off the Blues this season. They’ve also run into a bit of form in recent weeks with one defeat in their last five games. Waterford’s title hopes took a knock with their defeat by Mervue last time out which was only their second loss in 13 games since the change of management. Michael Coady is Waterford’s only absentee while Wexford’s Thomas Croke is suspended.

Finn Harps v Mervue United, Finn Park, 8pm
Mervue are heading for their highest ever League finish and head to Donegal on the back of two successive league wins to meet a Harps side that exited the FAI Ford Cup following a replay against Drogheda United last Monday. Manager Johnny Glynn has Stephen Walsh available again but Marc Ludden is suspended while Gary Kelly (sick) and Brendan Lavelle (ankle) are doubtful . Harps have Damien McNulty suspended while James Doherty (thigh) and Aaron O’Hagan (ankle) are doubts and Ciaran Coll is back after serving his ban.

 

©INPHO/Morgan Treacy