PREMIER DIVISION
PREVIEWS
CORK CITY V BOHEMIANS
Lowdown: The indications are that John Caulfield has successfully managed the drastic changes in playing personnel at Turner’s Cross. Eight of the starting XI which ran out comfortable winners over Dundalk in the President’s Cup were new faces, but despite scoring 27 times in seven pre-season games the serious business starts against Bohemians tonight. Keith Long has also improved his squad but the chances of catching Cork cold are slim.
ST PATRICK’S ATHLETIC V GALWAY UNITED
Lowdown: St Pat’s, like Cork, have a host of new players but the jury is still out on whether Liam Buckley will be battling it out for league honours. A lot will depend on Christy Fagan, who has been there since 2012. He will trouble Galway with his movement tonight, so their boss Tommy Dunne will have to ensure his defence is tuned in from the first whistle.
FINN HARPS V DERRY CITY
Lowdown: The buzz is back in Ballybofey, and what a way to reacquaint themselves with the Premier Division than a local derby with Derry City. Candystripes boss Kenny Shiels is vastly experienced and he’ll need all his know-how to make sure Derry aren’t dragged into a dog fight this term.
WEXFORD YOUTHS V LONGFORD TOWN
Lowdown: With Youths facing Shamrock Rovers (away), Dundalk (home) and Bohs (away) after this, Shane Keegan will need three points on the board as soon as possible. This is the best chance of doing so, as Longford have lost some experienced operators over the winter.
BRAY WANDERERS V DUNDALK
Lowdown: This is the first stop on the champions’ potential route to history. The Lilywhites are going for the three-in-a-row and this is not a venue where they should suffer an early puncture. Bray have bolstered their starting XI and, considering that outlay, Mick Cooke will be expected to be much more competitive.
SLIGO ROVERS V SHAMROCK ROVERS
Lowdown: This is intriguing as it really is hard to predict what to expect from Sligo under new manager Dave Robertson. He has tapped into his contacts in England to bring over young talent, West Ham forward Jaanai Gordon arriving on loan, so it may take time to adapt. The Hoops, meanwhile, will be targeting this as an ideal chance to hit the ground running.