League of Ireland preview: Top four collide in Premier; Cork City prepare for weekend double

Sligo Rovers manager Liam Buckley: “There will be a big crowd at the Showgrounds and I know from previous experience how much this game means to both clubs,” he said of the clash with Shamrock Rovers. Picture: Inpho/Evan Logan

League of Ireland

With eight points separating the top four a third of the way through the Premier Division season, meetings between the quartet on Friday promise to be pivotal.