Reigning champions Shamrock Rovers have the chance to move top of the Premier Division table as they are in action today (2pm), hosting Waterford at Tallaght Stadium.
In second place, the Tallaght Stadium side need a win to keep up the pace with leaders St. Patrick’s Athletic, who are ahead of them only on goal difference and are in action later today away to Sligo Rovers.
The match falls in the window of a social media boycott, as professional sporting organisations across the UK and Ireland make a stand against tackling ongoing online abuse and discrimination.
The Dublin side released a statement saying: “Shamrock Rovers FC will join the ECA social media boycott from 15:00 on Friday 30 April to 23:59 on Monday 3 May, in support of their campaign against the ongoing and sustained discriminatory abuse received by players and many others connected to football.”
Last time out the champions equalled the all-time league record of going 30 games without defeat as they beat Finn Harps 2-0 at Finn Park.
It took Stephen Bradley’s men until the 74th minute to break the deadlock following a hotly contested free kick and a goalkeeping error that led to Rory Gaffney pouncing to put Rovers ahead.
Sean Hoare headed home ten minutes from time to seal the record win, and all eyes will be on them to see if they can make history in today’s game.
The hosts will be without the injured Neil Farrugia and Lee Grace for this match as they both have knock injuries.
On the other hand, Waterford sit in ninth place after eight games, having picked up just six points from a maximum 24 this season.
They currently lie in the relegation play-off position but will know a much-needed win today will help them climb the table and boost their survival bid.
Kevin Sheedy’s side come into the game off the back of a 3-0 home defeat to Dundalk that condemned them to their sixth loss in just eight games.
The Blues will be without midfielder Darragh Power who has been ruled out of the game with a hamstring injury.
In this fixture last season, goals from Aaron Greene, Roberto Lopes, Lee Grace, Jack Byrne, Graham Burke and Dean Williams meant Shamrock cruised to a 6-1 victory on their way to the title.
Ben Jaycock
I am a Sports Journalism & PR graduate from Staffordshire University. During my time at Final Whistle, I have covered the LOI National League, international games and the Women’s National League. Outside of Final Whistle, I am a researcher for World Rugby and a writer for The Rugby Paper.