Premier Division

Bohemians v Shelbourne (Dalymount Park, 7.45)

A Dublin derby that has quickly regained its usual appeal, something it would have lacked a month or so ago.

Both sides have recovered relatively well from bad starts to the season. Bohemians are now unbeaten in six games while Shelbourne have won four of their last five.

The optimism in both camps is palpable. "We remain hopeful of being able to challenge for a place in Europe from the league," says an optimistic Derek Swan, Bohemians' topscorer this season.

"There is a great spirit at the club again and we're really playing well. If we could keep this run going, there is no reason why we can't be there or thereabouts at the end."

Realistically, Bohemians' European hopes surely rest with the FAI Cup, though those odds have lessened with tonight's opponents Shelbourne also awaiting them in the second round.

Manager Roddy Collins is unlikely to change the side that trounced Waterford 4-0 in their last match. Tommy Byrne, who retired early with a slight hamstring strain in that game, has recovered while Graham O'Hanlon is back in contention. Longterm, Maurice O'Driscoll plays for the reserves tomorrow as he approaches match fitness after his groin injury.

Shelbourne, who also had no match last week, are also at full strength and in the opinion of manager Dermot Keely playing their best football of the season.

"People have said that our win over Rovers in the cup was our best display so far," Keely said, "but I thought that the 90 minutes against St Pat's the previous week was a better all round performance.

"Overall, we have been playing relatively well for the last two months but weren't getting the results until recently."

Last two seasons: 1997/98: Bohemians 1 Shelbourne 0, Shelbourne 0 Bohemians 1, Bohemians 0 Shelbourne 1. 1998/99: Shelbourne 2 Bohemians 1.

Current league form: Bohemians: DDWDW; Shelbourne: LWWWL.

Leading scorers: Bohemians: Swan (seven); Shelbourne: Sheridan (eight).

Betting: Home: 13/8; Draw: 11/5; Away: 11-8.

Referee: R O'Hanlon (Waterford).

Bray Wanderers v Finn Harps (Carlisle Grounds, 7.45)

Right winger, Steve Jones, signed from Sligo last week, looks set for his Bray Wanderers debut. Manager Pat Devlin's decision was made a little easier with John Ryan, ever present so far, unavailable due to a groin injury.

While Barry O'Connor has every chance of playing having recovered from his groin injury, Richie Parsons has struggled all week with flu and, as of yesterday, was unlikely to feature. Maurice Farrell is suspended.

Declan Boyle's successful appeal against a two-match suspension means Finn Harps are at full strength and hoping to regain the early season form that had them being considered as the only threat to the top two.

Their current form, no win now in five games, has seen them drop to fourth place with a tricky visit to non-league Belgrove to come in the cup.

"We've done okay against the teams in the top half of the league, but have lost too many points to those at the other end," says Harps manager Charlie McGeever, perhaps forgetting the 62 drubbing they gave Bray in their first meeting this season.

Bray have certainly shored up defensively in recent games after a black November which saw them concede 20 goals in five matches.

Devlin puts his side's revival of sorts down to working harder and concentrating more while his threat to quit after the defeat to Bohemians before Christmas had the desired effect.

Last two seasons: 1997/98: Did not meet; 1998/99: Finn Harps 6 Bray Wanderers 2.

Current league form: Bray Wanderers; LLLWD; Finn Harps; WLDLD.

Leading scorers: Bray Wanderers: Byrne (five); Finn Harps: Mulligan (eight).

Betting: Home: 9/4; Draw: 9/4; Away: Evs.

Referee: J Feighery (Dublin).

First Division

Drogheda United are hampered by illness and suspension as they hope to consolidate their leadership of the division at home to bottom of the table St Francis.

James Impey and Alan Murphy are both suspended while John Carroll, Darren O'Keeffe and Roy Fox are all very doubtful with the flu virus that's afflicted the club over the last fortnight.

St Francis, without a league win now in 17 matches and eight points adrift at the bottom, have Ross McNally back from a one-match ban.

Tonight's games (7.45 unless stated): Athlone Town v Limerick FC (7.30), Drogheda United v St Francis, Galway United v Kilkenny City.