SSE Airtricity Men's Premier Division title race permutations - everything you need to know
The SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division title race enters its penultimate round on Friday night with Shamrock Rovers getting closer to another title and while Bohemians kept their hopes alive last week and are keeping the Champions honest on the run-in.
Just three points separate the Dublin rivals at the summit, with Shamrock Rovers on 65 points and Bohemians on 62 ahead of a decisive evening of action. St Patrick’s Athletic remain mathematically in contention on 59 points, but their chances are increasingly slim.
For Shamrock Rovers, the equation is straightforward. Stephen Bradley’s side will be crowned Champions again if they defeat Sligo Rovers at Tallaght Stadium and Bohemians fail to beat Shelbourne in the north Dublin derby at Dalymount Park.
If Bohs win, it will go to the final day with goal difference potentially playing an important role but Alan Reynolds' side will need the Hoops to suffer one defeat in their remaining two games.
Rovers suffered a setback last Friday with a 2-0 defeat away to Galway United, but their six-point advantage over Bohemians before that round had given them a commanding position thanks to their 2-1 victory over Bohs on October 12 which remains a pivotal result in the title race.
Bohemians know there is little margin for error. Alan Reynolds’ side must beat Shelbourne to maintain realistic hopes of ending their 17-year wait for a league title. Anything less would leave them relying on Rovers slipping up against Sligo Rovers with the Hoops having another fixture away to Dundalk on the final night.
St Pat’s travel to Galway United on Friday knowing they need maximum points from their remaining fixtures and significant favours elsewhere. Stephen Kenny’s side must win both of their final two games and hope Rovers and Bohs drop enough points to open the door.
The stakes are simple: Shamrock Rovers are within touching distance of another title, while Bohs need a perfect finish and a helping hand. Friday night could settle the destination of the trophy — or set up a dramatic final round on October 30.
Bohemians face Shelbourne live on Virgin Media Two on Friday at 19:45, Shamrock Rovers host Sligo Rovers at 20:00 on LOITV with Virgin Media Two planning to switch to Tallaght at the end of the North Dublin Derby while St. Pat's head to Galway United live on LOITV at 19:45.
