Bray Wanderers v Drogheda United 5.45pm
Drogheda United kick-off their as they travel to the Carlisle Grounds to face Bray Wanderers.
Johnny McDonnell took charge of United in late November following Damien Richardson’s departure and the Dubliner has brought with him 15 new signings, bringing an added significance to pre-season as the new group of players looked to settle in ahead of the season opener.
“We’ve come through the last six weeks with no injuries which is always important,” McDonnell said.
“I think we’ve done the right amount of training; we want the players ready to go for the start and not to be physically or mentally tired.
"It was difficult with the amount of changes we've had but I think we’ve come through it well. We’re maybe a match short in terms of games but pre-season is never ideal.”
The Boynesiders will be without the suspended pair of Alan Byrne and Shane Dunne.
Midfielder Mark Hughes will also be absent for United as he is recovering from injury.
Bray team news to follow
Limerick v Bohemians 6.30pm
Manager Martin Russell says he will be "encouraging competitive and entertaining football for the people of Limerick" from his team this season, which kicks off against Bohemians at Jackman Park.
Russell is in his first full year in charge at the club and they will draw the curtain on another top-flight campaign in confident mood after eliminating Cork City from the Munster Senior Cup in Askeaton last weekend.
And Russell has pointed to Cork’s example last year of how a good start can create a “snowball effect”. With a trip to Turner’s Cross in week two, there are daunting tests on the way for his young squad, which includes seven current Under-19s.
Limerick will be without the services of versatile midfielder Seán Russell (ill) and left-back Colm Murphy (hamstring), while central midfielder Paul O’Conor (calf) is doubtful.
“You look at the start that Cork had last year – it had a snowball effect, the crowds grew and everything from there went well for them. A good start will help but either way it’s a long road and we’re in there for the long haul.
“We’ll be encouraging the players to take each game on its merits and go and try to put on competitive and also entertaining football for the people of Limerick.
Bohemians are determined to “play off the front foot”, according to manager Keith Long.
“The players are chomping at the bit and ready to get going,” Long said. “Playing Limerick away is going to be a tough test for us, and we’re under no illusion about that, but we’re looking forward to it.”
The Bohemians manager expects "a tough game" and Limerick to be “well organised and well up for it”.
“We want to go down and win. We will play off the front foot and get at them with fast, attacking football,” Long said.
Bohemians will be missing three players through suspensions carried over from last season – Stephen Best, James O’Brien, and recently re-signed Conor Murphy, who comes back after a spell at Shelbourne.
Also out is long-term injured Dan Byrne, and Dave Mulcahy (calf injury), who is expected to return to training next week.
Team captain Derek Pender (knee) and Dean Kelly, who took a knock in a pre-season game, will face late fitness tests. Anto Murphy, who missed the Bray game through groin injury, is fit for selection.
Sligo Rovers v Cork City 7.45pm
Sligo Rovers kick-off the new season with a game at home to Cork City in the Showgrounds where manager Owen Heary is targeting an opening-day victory.
"It is important that we start the season right. We have to go out and try to win the game. We have done really well in pre-season but that counts for nothing now, the real work starts tomorrow," Heary said.
"We haven’t had much game time on the pitch but that will change now with two games in the space of four days and it will allow the players to settle in.
"It’s going to be difficult to pick the team. Although our squad is not that big. A lot of the other big teams have squad of 24 or 25."
Bit o’Red signed nine new players in the close season, one of whom, Eoin Wearen, will miss the game due to suspension due to an accumulation of yellow cards from last season.
The only other absentee will be Jeff Henderson who has a foot injury.
Cork City were last season's runners-up, losing the title after a dramatic final day clash with Dundalk. Manager John Caulfield is hoping to see his side go one better this season.
"I think we have a very decent bunch of players and I think our strength should be better than last year," he said. "Our team should be able to play better than last year, but you just don’t know.
"You need every fella to work hard and I suppose the unique thing about us last year was that we were down to the bare bones and every fella gave his heart and soul for the cause and the supporters could see that."
Goalkeeper Alan Smith has recovered from a knock suffered in the friendly with Cobh Ramblers, but John O’Flynn is ruled out for the next couple of weeks through illness.
Winger Billy Dennehy also misses out, as he serves a one-match suspension for yellow cards accumulated in 2014.
