Shamrock Rovers eyes title party tonight after game with Shelbourne

Shamrock Rovers can secure their fifth SSE Airtricity Men's Premier Division title in six seasons tonight.

Stephen Bradley's side welcome defending champions Shelbourne to Tallaght Stadium, where a win will see the Hoops take the crown with four games to spare.

Rovers’ head coach has insisted that regaining the League of Ireland championship has been their goal all year and they just need a point from their remaining five games to seal the deal. Kick-off is at 8pm and the match is live on Virgin Media Two.

The team is also still competing in Europe, and also has the chance of a coveted first double in 38 years. Rovers will take on Cork City in next month’s FAI Cup final.

Speaking to media yesterday, Bradley said: “We have a lot of European games and we have to perform. The sooner we can put this to bed and get ready for those games, the better. As I said, our motivation is getting this mathematically done as soon as possible.”

International duty and injuries hamper Bradley’s team selection. Captain Roberto Lopes is involved in World Cup qualifiers with Cape Verde, while Josh Honohan is ruled out with an injury. Lee Grace, Danny Grant and Victor Ozhianvuna are also injured while Michael Noonan, Alex Noonan and Max Kovalevskis are away with Ireland’s underage teams.

With a trip to Cork on Monday to follow, it’s a big weekend for Shelbourne in their quest to qualify for Europe again next year.

Meanwhile, Dundalk can also claim the First Division honours, as well as automatic promotion to the top flight this evening.

The Lilywhites need a win at home to Finn Harps to get over the line.

Wexford are away to Kerry - a win for the visitors would see them move into the last playoff spot ahead of the final round of fixtures.

Treaty United, who currently occupy that all-important fifth place, host Bray Wanderers. Elsewhere, UCD take on Athlone Town, and Longford Town face Cobh Ramblers at Bishopsgate. All of those games kick off at 7.45.