After a week of Cup action, the League takes precedence this coming weekend with all the top sides back in action while on the international stage, Sean McCaffrey's Under 19s chase European glory in the European Championship qualifiers.
League leaders Shelbourne host Longford Town at Tolka Park on Friday night in what is sure to be a tight game. The last time the sides met at Tolka, a late Jim Gannon goal decided the game and it is sure to be as even this Friday as Shels look to maintain their advantage over the close rivals.
Should they slip up, St Patrick's Athletic are primed to take full advantage if they can take all three points from their visit to Waterford United while third placed Bohemians travel to fourth placed Cork City hoping for revenge after their narrow 3-2 in Turners' Cross earlier in the season.
The final eircom Premier Division game of the weekend sees Pete Mahon take charge of UCD for the first time for the 'away' clash at Belfield Park against Shamrock Rovers.
In the eircom First Division, the big game is undoubtedly joint leaders Bray Wanderers and Dublin City's clash at the Carlisle Grounds on Friday, though if that game ends in a draw, Kildare County could take advantage if they can overcome Limerick on Saturday.
Elsewhere, on Thursday, Dundalk clash with Sligo Rovers, on Friday, Cobh Ramblers travel to Finn Harps while Athlone Town host Monaghan United while on Saturday, Galway United take on Kilkenny City.
At international level, the Republic of Ireland Under 19s are in San Marino for the European Under 19 Championships first phase qualifiers where Ireland will face Bulgaria on Thursday, San Marino on Saturday and Lithuania on Monday.
Thursday 18 September
eircom First Division
Dundalk v Sligo Rovers, Oriel Park (7.45 pm)
Under 19 European Championships first phase qualifiers
Republic of Ireland v Bulgaria (4:30pm)
Friday 19 September
eircom Premier Division
Waterford United v St. Patrick's Athletic, R.S.C. (7.30 pm)
Cork City v Bohemians, Turner's Cross (7.45pm)
Shamrock Rovers v U.C.D., Belfield Park (7.45 pm)
Shelbourne v Longford Town, Tolka Park (7.45 pm)
eircom First Division
Athlone Town v Monaghan United, St. Mel's Park (7.45 pm)
Bray Wanderers v Dublin City, Carlisle Grounds (7.45 pm)
Finn Harps v Cobh Ramblers, Finn Park (8.00 pm)
Saturday 20 September
eircom First Division
Galway United v Kilkenny City, Terryland Park (7.00pm)
Kildare County v Limerick, Station Road (7.30 pm)
Under 19 European Championships first phase qualifiers
Republic of Ireland v San Marino (4:30pm)
Monday 22 September
Under 19 European Championships first phase qualifiers
Republic of Ireland v San Marino (7:30pm)
