Setanta Cup: Holders Drogheda United are without their captain Declan O'Brien as they begin the defence of the Setanta Sports Cup against Linfield in the meeting of the tournament's first two winners at United Park tonight ( Live on Setanta Ireland, kick-off 8.05pm).
O'Brien is struggling to shake off a calf strain picked up on the club's warm-weather training camp in Spain a fortnight ago, while fellow striker Glen Fitzpatrick is suspended. And defender Jason Gavin has the flu and is unlikely to play.
Far from diminishing his striking options, the depth of Drogheda's squad this season means manager Paul Doolin can still select a front pairing from Tony Grant, Eamon Zayed and Aidan O'Keeffe, while Shane Barrett and Richie Baker, nominally wingers, can also play up front.
"It's a great match to start the season with and the whole town is looking forward to hosting the game," said Doolin. "We'll be hoping to get a win because it's a home game in what is a very tough group."
Irish League champions and current leaders Linfield also have selection concerns, with Michael Gault and Pat McShane doubtful with groin and ankle injuries respectively, while Conor Downey didn't feature in Saturday's 3-0 win over Donegal Celtic due to illness.
In the other Group One game, Pat Fenlon brings Derry City to the Oval to play Glentoran in his first competitive match as their manager, insisting that, while his team will be fit, a lack of match sharpness is a concern.
Without striker Gary Beckett (groin), and with a doubt over left winger Killian Brennan, Fenlon will consider competitive debuts for new signings, defenders Dave Rogers and Greg O'Halloran, and strikers Kyle Moran and Karl Bermingham.
In Group Two, Cork City prepare to travel to Dungannon Swifts awaiting clarification, hopefully this morning, on whether new signings Gareth Farrelly and Colin Healy are eligible.
Both have played for two clubs already this season and under Fifa rules can't play for three clubs in any one season.
Meanwhile, 33-year-old midfielder Jim Crawford yesterday signed a one-year deal at Shelbourne to become Dermot Keely's first signing since he agreed to take charge of the club for a second spell on Friday night.
TONIGHT(7.45 unless stated) - Group One: Drogheda United v Linfield (Live Setanta Ireland, 8.05), Glentoran v Derry City. Group Two: Dungannon Swifts v Cork City, St Patrick's Athletic v Portadown.
