Team news, odds and verdicts – your complete guide to Friday's League of Ireland fixtures

(Weavers Park, 7.45)

Team news: United have Gary Deegan and Jethren Barr back from a ban but Aaron McNally and Andrew Quinn are concerns. Galway recall Karl O’Sullivan from suspension.

Talking point: This game offers Drogheda a chance to bank points before a clash with Shamrock Rovers. Evan Weir’s return has helped the hosts but Galway’s defence is still hard to break down.

Ref: Declan Toland

Odds: Drogheda 2/1, Galway 11/8, draw 21/10

Verdict: draw

Dundalk v Shamrock Rovers

(Oriel Park, 7.45)

Team news: Dundalk ’keeper George Shelvey is banned while Scott High is a new injury concern. Ciarán McGuckin, Dara Keane and Robbie Mahon are out. Rovers’ injury woes are easing as Graham Burke is the latest to recover as they assess Richie Towell and Aaron McEneff but Rory Gaffney, Dylan Watts, Gary O’Neill, Lee Grace and Seán Hoare are still out.

Talking point: Rovers are without a win in three games but such is the chaos at Dundalk, with caretaker Liam Burns stepping in for the departed Noel King, that this should be an efficient away win.

Ref: Alan Patchell

Odds: Dundalk 9/2, Rovers 6/10, draw 14/5

Verdict: away win

Shelbourne v Waterford

(Tolka Park, 7.45)

Team news: Shels have a full squad. Waterford are still missing Barry Baggley and Conor Evans.

Talking point: Unbeaten in five away games, the Blues have found their goal touch of late but the pitch could hinder both sides and lead to a draw.

Ref: Rob Harvey

Odds: Shels 3/4, Waterford 15/4, draw 23/10

Verdict: draw

St Patrick’s Athletic v Derry City

(Richmond Park, 7.45)

Team news: Pat’s are missing Tom Grivosti, Ryan McLaughlin and Axel Sjoberg. Derry’s injury situation is better, with Patrick McEleney, Michael Duffy and Sadou Diallo back in recent weeks and Cameron Dummigan close to a return.

Talking point: An emotional night in Inchicore as Stephen Kenny comes up against his protege Ruaidhrí Higgins, with one win for Pat’s in their last 11 league meetings. The Saints have a dismal record against Derry but Kenny’s arrival stirs things up.

Ref: Mark Houlihan

Odds: Pat’s 5/2, Derry 11/10, draw 11/5

Verdict: Home win

Sligo Rovers v Bohemians

(Showgrounds, 7.45)

Team news: Sligo are again missing John Mahon, Nando Pijnaker, Will Fitzgerald and Simon Power. Max Mata leaves as his loan deal ends. Bohs recall Paddy Kirk (suspension) Brian McManus, Rob Cornwall and Keith Buckley are still out.

Talking point: One goal in the last four games is a dismal effort from Bohs and a clear-out is needed. Sligo’s defence has looked good of late and the away side will struggle to score.

Ref: Gavin Colfer

Odds: Sligo 17/10, Bohs 9/5, draw 2/1

Verdict: draw