League of Ireland: Everything you need to know ahead of a Dublin Derby weekend
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Drogheda United v Waterford (Weavers Park, 7.45)
Team news: United recall Luke Heeney from suspension, and Jethren Barr is fit but Oisín Gallagher is a concern. Waterford have Christie Pattison, Cameron Cresswell and Rowan McDonald available.
Talking point: The surface didn’t help Waterford at home last week and the tight confines in Drogheda will test them again, Drogheda have lost only one of their last seven home games so United can earn a point here.
Ref: Paul Norton
Odds: Drogheda 23/20, Waterford 11/5, draw 23/10
Verdict: Draw
Dundalk v Galway United (Oriel Park, 7.45)
Team news: Dundalk hope to recall John Mountney. Galway lose Stephen Walsh to suspension.
Talking point: Despite five debutants in the team last week, Dundalk looked like a settled side. Jamie Gullan is already off the mark and they can carry on last season’s strong home form here.
Ref: Gavin Colfer
Odds: Dundalk 11/10, Galway 23/10, draw 23/10
Verdict: Home win
Shelbourne v Shamrock Rovers (Tolka Park, 7.45)
Team news: Ex-Hoop Seán Boyd is suspended for Shels who could add Matty Smith and John Martin to the squad after they missed out last week. Rovers add Graham Burke, Johnny Kenny and Richie Towell to the squad but Trevor Clarke, Jack Byrne, Neil Farrugia and Roberto Lopes are out for the visitors.
Talking point: A sold-out Tolka Park will have a great atmosphere for the traditional Ringsend derby; four draws in the last six meetings shows how tight this fixture is, Shels haven’t beaten Rovers in the league since 2005, and another draw is on the cards.
Ref: Rob Harvey
Odds: Shels 16/5, Rovers 20/23, draw 9/4
Verdict: Draw
St Patrick’s Athletic v Bohemians (Richmond Park, 7.45)
Team news: Pat’s add defender Kieran Freeman to the squad, with Tom Grivosti the only one unavailable. Bohs have a new face too, striker Filip Piszczek, but in a major blow for them, ACL victim Rob Cornwall joins Keith Buckley as a long-term injury victim.
Talking point: Obvious problems at Bohs have been further exposed by Cornwall’s injury and Gypsies fans travel with little confidence and fears of a repeat of the Cup final collapse against Pat’s.
Ref: Rob Hennessy
Odds: Pat’s 21/10, Bohs 11/5, draw 5/2
Verdict: Home win
