John Fallon: Distorted look of table may smooth into a more expected divide

Shamrock Rovers will be less concerned than Derry City about inhabiting the bottom two while neither leaders Waterford nor Drogheda will be envisioning the Champions League anthem belting out in 2026.

NOT SHOWING THEIR TEETH YET: Shamrock Rovers manager Stephen Bradley during the SSE Airtricity Men's Premier Division match between Sligo Rovers and Shamrock Rovers at The Showgrounds in Sligo. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile

Flip the early League of Ireland Premier Division table upside down and you'd find the last year's favourites for the title and relegation in opposite places.

Shamrock Rovers will be less concerned than Derry City about inhabiting the bottom two, especially with a game in hand, while neither leaders Waterford nor Drogheda United shadowing them will be envisioning the Champions League anthem belting out in 2026.