Saturday
Sligo Rovers v Shelbourne (Showgrounds, 7.30)
Sligo goalkeeper Matt Boswell has led the chorus from within the club in support of manager Jim McInally.
McInally had threatened to resign after his side's poor display in losing 4-1 at Shamrock Rovers last week, but has reconsidered and will stay until the end of the first round of matches at least.
McInally has injury problems tonight with Jim Sheridan (hamstring), Steve Birks (thigh), Paul Bonar (knee) and Ross McLynn (ankle) doubtful. Paddy Conlon, a 17-year-old leftback or midfielder player, comes into the panel along with the fit again Lee Marshall.
Shelbourne manger Dermot Keely has scotched rumours that he's about to sign ex-St. Patrick's Athletic captain, John McDonnell. "I have great admiration for him, but we have three centre-halves and don't need any cover in that area," said Keely.
With Stephen Geoghegan (groin) and Garry Haylock (suspended) unavailable John Powell makes his first start of the season as he leads the Shelbourne attack.
Last season: Shelbourne 1 Sligo Rovers 1, Sligo Rovers 1 Shelbourne 3, Shelbourne 1 Sligo Rovers 0.
Current league form: Sligo Rovers: WLDLL; Shelbourne: WDWWD.
Betting: Home: 100/30; Draw: 9/4; Away: 8/11.
Referee: J McDermott (Dublin).
Sunday
Derry City v UCD (Brandywell, 3.15)
Derry are still reeling form Liam Coyle's six match suspension following his sending off against Drogheda United, despite letters from the club and Coyle to the disciplinary committee.
Coyle's suspension doesn't start until October 12th, but he won't play in the meantime due to ligament damage.
That limits manager Kevin Mahon's options up front as Gary Beckett is also doubtful with a toe injury. Left-back Sean Hargan, back after a groin injury, will probably lead the attack.
UCD have Brian Mooney back and bring a full squad to the Brandywell where they believe the big pitch suits their style.
Last season: UCD 2 Derry City 2, Derry City 2 UCD 0, UCD 2 Derry City 1.
Current league form: Derry City: WWLLD; UCD: WDDLW.
Betting: Home: 8/1, Draw: 5/2, Away: 3/1.
Referee: J Feighery (Dublin).
Shamrock Rvs v Galway Utd (Morton Stadium, 2.00)
With Shane Robinson over a bout of flu, Rovers' manager Damien Richardson won't change a winning team.
The club's small panel of players hardly provides much optional experience with Sean Francis, Marc Kenny and Gino Brazil all still out with injury.
Galway have Kieran Foley back from suspension and he'll come straight in to partner skipper Billy Clery in central defence. Ollie Keogh also returns to the panel after a three week absence due to a viral infection.
Galway have done their homework on Rovers, with manager Don O'Riordan having watched their last two games.
"We've trained five times this week which is the most preparation we've done for any match," said O'Riordan.
Last season: Did not meet.
Current league form: Shamrock Rovers: WWLWW, Galway United: DLWWL.
Betting: Home: 2/5, Draw: 3/1, Away: 11/2.
Referee: H Byrne (Dublin).
Betting courtesy of Paddy Power.
