UCD's quest for a first win of the season continues as they travel to face Sligo Rovers, who have now lost two on the bounce, at the Showgrounds on Saturday night.
Saturday sees the first round of games conclude as, in the early game, Finn Harps host undefeated league leaders Derry City in the north-west derby in Ballybofey.
Friday night saw Shamrock Rovers close the gap on the Candystripes to three points thanks a dramatic last-minute Aaron Greene winner at Shelbourne in Tolka Park.
The substitute sent a rocket past Reds keeper Brendan Clarke as injury time loomed, after Shane Farrell's well-taken finish had cancelled out Andy Lyons' early opener.
Bohemians were once again frustrated as they were held to a 1-1 draw away to Drogheda United as former Rovers striker Dean Williams netted late on to nullify Dawson Devoy's early penalty.
And Stephen O'Donnell's return to St Patrick's Athletic was a stalemate as the Dundalk manager, who guided the Athletic to the FAI Cup last year, watched his side play out a scoreless draw at Richmond Park.
Finn Harps v Derry City (5.30pm)
The first north-west derby of the season sees league leaders Derry make the (relatively) short trip west to face Finn Harps.
Both sides will be happy with their recent performances but it’s Derry who are the form team in the league as they lead by six points at the summit.
A hard-earned win away to UCD on Monday night saw Ruaidhri Higgins’ side move further clear of Shamrock Rovers at the top of the table.
Will Patching’s free kick and a tidy finish from Ronan Boyce, his second in a week, saw the Candystripes eventually wear down a stubborn UCD side.
Harps were also in action midweek as they were unfortunate to concede a late equaliser at home to Drogheda after Yoyo Mahdy had put them in front.
"It's been a great return. There's a great spirit within the group. We've played two tough fixtures away from home in the last four days and to pick up six points is great,” Higgins said.
Regan Donelon, Ryan Rainey and Erol Alkan are doubts for Harps, but goalkeeper Mark McGinley returns after serving a suspension against Drogs.
Michael Duffy and Ciaron Harkin are long-term absentees for Derry but Higgins has no further injury concerns ahead of the sold-out clash.
Sligo Rovers v UCD (7.45pm)
UCD’s search for a first win of the system goes on after the visit of Derry but they may sense an opportunity but they may sense a chance as they travel to wobbling Sligo Rovers.
Liam Buckley’s side went into the final game before the break top of the table but have taken just a point from a possible nine since.
Back to back defeats, away to Shelbourne and home to Bohemians, since the restart have seen the Bit o’ Red slip back to fourth.
They now trail league leaders Derry by eight points but could rein some of that in should they see their way past a well-organised UCD outfit.
‘’We’re well aware we need to improve our overall performance level,” said Buckley ahead of the Students’ visit.
“I did feel we improved on the Shelbourne performance against Bohs and we’ll be looking to improve on that again.
“As the table shows it is so tight and we want to make sure if a gap does start appearing that we are on the right side of it.”
Aidan Keena remains a doubt for Sligo after missing the game with Bohs due to a knock picked up in the defeat to Shelbourne, while Mark Dignam returns for UCD.
