Mirror Sport runs you through all of the Premier Division team news ahead of Friday's games in the top flight
ST PAT’S v LONGFORD TOWN
(Richmond Park, 5.45pm)
Joint table-toppers Saints are looking to maintain their impressive start to the season but boss Stephen O’Donnell is without Cian Kelly for the next few weeks because of a foot injury while Jay McClelland is a doubt after shipping a knee injury away to Dundalk. Dean Zambra and Callum Warfield did not make the Longford squad against Waterford because of injury and are unlikely to feature but Dean Byrne made the bench in that game and could come into contention after his own injury issues.
Mirror says: St Pat’s 2-0 Longford
DROGHEDA UNITED v SLIGO ROVERS
(Head in the Game Park, 5.45pm)
Drogheda are smarting after their Louth derby defeat to Dundalk last week but Tim Clancy will hope to leave Sligo Rovers reeling for the second game running. He will have to do so without Mark Hughes who remains out while there are doubts over Dinny Corcoran and Jake Hyland, but Conor Kane should return. The Bit O’Red are looking for an immediate response after losing at home to Derry City last Saturday but Liam Buckley has to plan without Danny Kane who remains out. Club stalwart David Cawley requires a late fitness test.
Mirror says: Drogheda 1-1 Sligo
FINN HARPS v SHAMROCK ROVERS
(Finn Park, 7.45pm)
Harps’ flying start to the season suffered a blip last week with a home defeat to St Pat’s and their task doesn’t get any easier tonight. Ryan Connolly and Shane McEleney are expected to miss out again while former Hoop Ethan Boyle, Conor Barry, Johnny Dunleavy and Kosovar Sadiki are all doubts. The champions will be without Sean Kavanagh for three or four weeks after the injury he shipped in Drogheda. Rovers boss Stephen Bradley said: “This is a really difficult game. Finn Harps have started really well and picked up a lot of good points.”
Mirror says: Harps 1-2 Rovers
WATERFORD v DUNDALK
(RSC, 7.45pm)
Blues skipper Kyle Ferguson - son of ex-Rangers and Scotland midfielder Barry Ferguson - is suspended and Daryl Murphy, Isaac Tshipamba, Eric Molloy and Cian Kavanagh are all injured. Shane Griffin could be available after recovering from a knock sustained in training while Brian Murphy’s ongoing situation is once again of interest. Dundalk finally registered their first win of the season in last week’s Louth derby and Jim Magilton wants his team to kick on, but they are without Pat Hoban and Sonni Nattestad. Brian Gartland is having surgery today on his ACL but Daniel Kelly could make his first appearance of the season after a knee injury.
Mirror says: Waterford 0-1 Dundalk
BOHEMIANS v DERRY CITY
(Dalymount Park, 7.45pm)
Bohs put in their best performance of the season against Shamrock Rovers last week but for no reward after losing to a controversial late penalty decision. James Finnerty, who was sent off in that incident, is suspended tonight while new signings Bastien Hery and Stephen Mallon remain on the absentee list. Ruaidhri Higgins - who had a season at the Gypsies as a player - made a winning start to life as Derry City manager with a 1-0 win in Sligo last week but has doubts over Ciaran Coll who shipped an injury in that game. Darren Cole is still battling a back issue and won’t be risked.
Mirror says: Bohs 1-0 Derry
