SSE AIRTRICITY LEAGUE PREVIEWS

BRAY WDS v SHAMROCK ROVERS Carlisle Grounds (7.45)

League form: Bray LDWDW Shamrock Rovers DWLWW

Match odds: Bray 13/5, Shamrock Rovers evens, Draw 5/2

Ref: G Kelly (Cork)

Team news: Bray’s Ryan Brennan and Hugh Douglas serve bans. Brandon Miele is also suspended while Dave Webster (broken foot) is sidelined.

Talking point: After their disappointment in the Cup, Rovers are looking to cement third place as planning for next season begins. “I’d put it down as one of our worst performances this season,” Rovers boss Stephen Bradley said of his side’s performance in Bray earlier this season when they were comfortably beaten 4-2. It’s been a tumultuous year for the Seagulls but, to the players’ credit, they have maintained some form of consistency on the pitch, while off it, it’s been one bad turn after another. Verdict: Draw

DUNDALK v BOHEMIANS

Oriel Park (7.45)

League form: Dundalk WWDWW Bohs DLWWD

Match odds: Dundalk 4/11, Bohs 8/1, Draw 15/4

Ref: D Tomney (Dublin)

Team news: The home side will be without skipper Stephen O’Donnell, who is suspended, with Bohs without Keith Ward and Fuad Sule for the same reason. Georgie Poynton and Michael O’Connor are unable to play against their parent club.

Talking point: Will Dundalk have one eye on their upcoming Cup final now that Cork City sealed the title? Stephen Kenny will be demanding that his players maintain their fine form as there are places in the decider up for grabs. Keith Long’s reputation continued to grow last time out when his side frustrated the champions to ensure that their wait went on. Bohs will be eager to build on that for what is a difficult trip. Verdict: Home win

ST PATRICK’S ATH v CORK CITY Richmond Park (7.45) Live on eir Sport League form: Pat’s DDWLL Cork DDWDL

Match odds: Pat’s 10/11, Cork 13/5, Draw 14/5

Ref: R Hennessy (Limerick)

Team news: Saints are without the suspended Graham Kelly and Darren Dennehy, who has an ankle injury. Steven Beattie (groin) misses out for the champions.

Talking point: The celebrations have been ongoing since Cork finally wrapped up the league title and Pat’s Twitter account summed up the feelings of every Saints supporter: “Long and hard celebrations should be in order this week...” Cork still have the Cup final to come so their attentions will firmly be on that. In contrast, the three points couldn’t be more important for Pat’s who are still scrapping to preserve their top-flight status and will be hoping to take advantage of any Cork hangovers. Verdict: Home win

LIMERICK v GALWAY UNITED Markets Field (7.45)

League form: Limerick WDWDL Galway DDWWL

Match odds: Limerick 13/10, Galway 19/10, Draw 13/5

Ref: A Buttimer (Dublin)

Team news: Limerick have a fully-fit squad to choose from. Galway are missing Ronan Manning (groin) with Gary Shanahan (shin) facing a late fitness test.

Talking point: Limerick’s four-game unbeaten run has seen them pull clear of danger and they now need just a single point to ensure that they remain in the Premier Division. How the Shannonsiders would love a repeat of their 2-1 win in Galway last month, which coincidently is the last time that the Tribesmen lost. Shane Keegan’s men are on their own four-game unbeaten run but time is very much running out for Galway to pick up the points they so desperately need to survive.

Verdict: Draw

FINN HARPS v DROGHEDA UNITED Finn Park (8.0)

League form: Harps LLLLW Drogheda LLLLL

Match odds: Harps 8/13, Drogheda 4/1, Draw 16/5

Ref: P McLaughlin (Donegal)

Team news: Ethan Boyle (hamstring) is out while Ollie Horgan is also sweating over the fitness of Paddy McCourt (calf), Sean Houston (groin) and Packie Mailey (hamstring). Drogs’ Colm Deasy misses the trip to Donegal due to suspension. Talking point: Harps picked a bad time to go on a four-game losing run. Despite the fact that it would take a minor miracle for them to survive the drop, they should at least pick up three points here. Drogheda have been a rabble all season and have offered very little to the party. “The lads know that the other games are outside their control,” Horgan said. “Hopefully we get the three points against Drogheda and we’ll see where that leaves us come 10.0.”

Verdict: Home win