League of Ireland previews: All you need to know about Friday evening’s action

Derry City v Galway United (Ryan McBride Brandywell, 7.45)

Team news: City have a number of injury concerns over Michael Duffy, Patrick McEleney and Cameron Dummigan. Galway are at full strength.

Talking point: A first away game in four weeks for Galway and they have the misfortune to travel to be in Fortress Derry, as City have a 100% home record, Derry do need to get their big names back fit but have enough to win this tie.

Referee: Declan Toland

Odds: Derry 5/6, Galway 3/1, draw 5/2

Verdict: Home win

Live coverage: LOITV

Drogheda United v St Patrick's Athletic (Weavers Park, 7.45)

Team news: A boost for Drogheda as they recall Hayden Cann, Luke Heeney and Adam Foley. Pat's are missing Tom Grivosti.

Talking point: Pat's have a decent record in Drogheda but they need a different approach here as the system used in recent games (Dundalk aside) have not worked, a week away in the USA will have added freshness but a draw might have to do.

Referee: Kevin O'Sullivan

Odds: Drogheda 12/5, Pat's 21/10, draw 12/5

Verdict: Draw

Live coverage: LOITV

Shamrock Rovers v Bohemians (Tallaght Stadium, 7.45)

Team news: Rovers are missing Sean Kavanagh, Aaron McEneff, Neil Farrugia and Jack Byrne but Markus Poom should be fit after picking up a knock on international duty. Bohs are without long-term absentees Rob Cornwall and Keith Buckley but a fit-again James McManus could start.

Talking point: A sell-out crowd of 10,000 adds to an already-tense occasion, Alan Reynolds had only days to work with his squad and his focus will have been on defensive shape, James McManus’ return adds weight to the Bohs midfield, a score draw is likely.

Referee: Rob Harvey

Odds: Rovers 4/9/ Bohs 6/1, draw 3/1

Verdict: Draw

Live coverage: RTÉ2/RTÉ Player

Shelbourne v Dundalk (Tolka Park, 7.45)

Team news: Shels have close to a full squad as Shane Griffin continues his recovery. Dundalk are without Andy Boyle, Jamie Walker and Dara Keane but George Shelvey and Jamie Gullan could return.

Talking point: Apart from UCD, Dundalk have managed just one league win in Dublin since 2021 and their recent form is even more ominous as Shels have the tools to take Dundalk apart.

Referee: Damien MacGraith

Odds: Shels 8/11, Dundalk 15/4, draw 5/2

Verdict: Shels win

Live coverage: LOITV

Waterford v Sligo Rovers (RSC, 7.45)

Team news: Waterford recall Darragh Leahy and Darragh Power. Sligo assess JR Wilson's injury.

Talking point: Sligo's away record this season is good and Max Mata has a spring in his step with club and country following international duty in Egypt. Darragh Leahy’s return strengthens the Blues but Rovers can extend that unbeaten away run with at least a draw.

Referee: Marc Lynch

Odds: Waterford 8/5, Sligo 9/5, draw 21/10

Verdict: Draw

Live coverage: LOITV

First Division

(All games kick-off at 7.45pm, live coverage on LOITV)

Bray Wanderers v Cobh Ramblers, Carlisle Grounds

Cork City v Athlone Town, Turner’s Cross

Kerry v Wexford, Mounthawk Park

Longford Town v UCD, Bishopsgate

Treaty United v Finn Harps, Market’s Field