Bohemians v Waterford United
Both teams performed erratically last week, but the difference, as is so often the case with teams at opposite ends of the table, is that Bohemians won while Waterford did not.
Up front Bohemians looked sharp and imaginative, but they weren't so clever at the back and it is there that the Dubliners will have to change things. Eoin Mullen is forced out by the start of a two-match suspension.
In midfield, too, Roddy Collins will have to alter things as Kevin Hunt is also suspended. But Graham Doyle is back after injury and may come into the centre of defence. Moving Stephen Caffrey is also an option.
Waterford, meanwhile, have John Frist, Brendan Markey and David Whittle available again, although they may not start.
Last two seasons: 1998/99: Bohemians 0 United 1, United 0 Bohemians 0, Bohemians 0 United 1; 99/00: United 0 Bohemians 2.
Recent league form: Bohemians: DDWWW, Waterford: LLDDL.
Leading scorers: Bohemians: Crowe (six), P Byrne (three); Waterford: Iorfa (two).
Betting: Home: 4/11, Draw: 3/1, Away: 13/2.
Referee: G Perry (Dublin).
Galway United v Shelbourne
ANOTHER frustrating week for Don O'Riordan who saw his side squander an opportunity to end their losing streak and then had his hopes of bringing in three new players fall by the wayside.
Paul Campbell came close to joining the Terryland Park club but opted for Dundalk because it involved much less travel. The other would-be recruits were local and English respectively, but neither came and O'Riordan's search must continue.
In the meantime, the United boss has a full panel available for the visit of Shelbourne and it is, he insists, the sort of game he is glad to have right now because "the lads don't need motivating, it's exactly what they need to get them going again".
For Shelbourne, with the negotiations for Richie Baker continuing with Bristol City, it appears that the young winger will be available again, although given that he and his brother Dessie have chest infections that might be academic. Carl Van Der Veldon, who did so well in the second half last week, will probably start.
Last two seasons: 1998/99: Did not meet; 99/00: Shelbourne 1 United 1.
Recent league form: United: LLLLL, Shelbourne: WWDWD.
Leading scorers: United: Clery (four), Keogh (three); Shelbourne: S Geoghegan, R Baker, Powell, Scully, Fenlon and Haylock (two apiece).
Betting: Home: 7/2, Draw: 12/5, Away: 4/6.
Referee: J McDermott (Dublin).
UCD v Sligo Rovers
THE students are on a bit of a run at the moment and should be tough opposition for a Rovers side that has been beginning to find its feet of late.
UCD will be without Mick O'Byrne (hamstring) and Peter Hanrahan (ankle ligaments/ Achilles tendon) again, but otherwise the same 16 that were in Drogheda last week will be available.
"I think the lads will learn quickly that I'm not someone who makes changes for the sake of making them," says new manager Martin Moran, "so given that we've won our last couple of games I can't see very much changing for this game at all."
Despite another decent performance against Bohemians last week, Jim McInally will be forced into making at least two changes due to injuries.
Definitely out are Conor O'Grady (knee) and Wesley Charles (hamstring), which should mean starts for teenage prospects Jonathan Davey and Keith Gilroy. Dale Gray will probably retain his place in the centre of the field after scoring on his debut, but whether McInally plays, after taking himself off early last week, remains to be seen.
Last two seasons: 1998/99: UCD 2 Rovers 0, Rovers 0 UCD 1, UCD 0 Rovers 0; 99/00: Rovers 1 UCD 2.
Recent league form: UCD: LLDWW, Rovers: LLWWL.
Leading scorers: UCD: Martyn (four); Rovers: Moran (seven).
Betting: Home: 4/5, Draw: 9/4, Away: 3/1.
Referee: P McKeon (Dublin).
Betting courtesy of Paddy Power.
