Dundalk face Sporting without key trio

Dundalk and Sporting Fingal go head to head in tonight’s Airtricity League Premier Division clash at Oriel Park, kick-off 7.45pm.

Lilywhites boss Ian Foster must plan without three key players who are missing through suspension.

Ciaran McGuigan, Garry Breen and JJ Melligan were all sent off in Friday’s FAI Cup clash with St Pat’s so will sit out tonight’s game.

Liam Burns is also ruled out with an abdomen injury and Michael Synott is also missing with a knee injury.

Liam Buckley’s side trail the Lilywhites by three points in the title race but have a task on their hands to record their first-ever win at the Louth venue.

Buckley is likely to make changes to his side which drew 1-1 against Mervue United in Saturday’s FAI Ford Cup tie, with a now fully-fit Shane McFaul in line to start after making his comeback from a calf injury as a second half substitute at the weekend.

Gary O’Neill continues to receive treatment on the groin injury which has kept him out recently, while both Stephen Paisley (chest) and John Frost (hamstring) are still short of match-fitness and unlikely to be considered.

Buckley said: “This is a game that has grown increasingly important over the last few weeks. Dundalk are deservedly up top at present but we’ve beaten them in the league already this season and go there confident of getting a result.

“We’ve been solid in the league campaign to date and given all teams we’ve faced on our travels a decent challenge. Keeping close to the front-runners is the priority for us at this stage of the season and this game is vital in that context.”