LOI Preview: Can Shelbourne end their wait for the title?
The 2024 Airtricity League of Ireland comes to an end on Friday, with the title race going down to the wire between Shelbourne and Shamrock Rovers.
Shelbourne have been the story of the season, as they have topped the table for the majority of the campaign, and go into Friday’s game against Derry knowing victory will win them the title.
A game that was seen as a title decider months in advance, Derry’s drop if form means they are out of the race, with defeat last week against St Patrick’s Athletic sealing their fate.
After a difficult start to the season, Shamrock Rovers have come back into contention, and should they defeat Waterford and Shelbourne lose to Derry, they will win their fifth league title in a row.
If Shelbourne draw and Shamrock Rovers win, Stephen Bradley’s side will also win the league on goal difference.
Damien Duff’s side have not won the league since 2006, with the last 18 years having plenty of ups and downs for the club.
Derry City have an FAI Cup final coming up against Drogheda next weekend, and will want to go into the game on a high.
Elsewhere, St Patrick’s Athletic will guarantee themselves European football if they win away to Sligo Rovers.
Galway United will end an impressive return to the top flight away to Bohemians, while Dundalk will end a difficult season away to Drogheda.
Here is the final round of League of Ireland games:
Friday November 1st
Derry City v Shelbourne, Ryan McBrdie Brandywell Stadium, RTÉ Two, 7:45pm.
Shamrock Rovers v Waterford, Tallaght Stadium, RTÉ News Now, 7:45pm.
Drogheda United v Dundalk, Weavers Park, 7:45pm.
Sligo Rovers v St Patrick’s Athletic, Showgrounds, 7:45pm.
Bohemians v Galway United, Dalymount Park, 7:45pm.
Sourse: breakingnews.ie