National League previews: Bohemians' lead at the top of the Eircom League Premier Division may be short-lived if they fail to follow up Tuesday night's victory over rivals Shelbourne with their third win of the season over Waterford United this evening.

Stephen Kenny admits with the games coming around so quickly at this stage he and his players have barely had the chance to absorb the fact they are, for the first time this season, the league leaders. The opportunity to savour the view from the top will pass if his side are beaten this evening and Shelbourne manage even a draw at Richmond Park.

Take my word for it," he says, "there were no high fives or anything like that the other night. The way things are at the moment the final whistle goes in one match and within a few minutes you're looking forward to the next one."

Waterford United's record against the Dubliners this season has been, as it has against so many other clubs, a little bit erratic with Jimmy McGeough's side conceding eight goals in their first two meetings before beating Bohemians when the two sides last met in late September.

"They were the last side to beat us (in the league)," says Kenny, "and I saw them there a couple of weeks ago against St Pat's when they were down to 10 men but were unlucky to lose so we'll be under no illusions about the potential for slipping up after what have been a couple of important wins for us."

Kenny is without the suspended Robbie Doyle for the game but Bobby Ryan and Thomas Heary are expected to be fit to play despite picking up knocks in the midweek game at Tolka Park.

The visitors have goalkeeper Dan Connor and Mark Clifford back from suspension and both are likely to go back into the starting line-up but Gerry McLoughlin is out due to a ban.

Shelbourne, meanwhile, make the short journey across the city to Inchicore to play St Patrick's Athletic in search of a win that could put them straight back on top. The exertions of Tuesday evening have taken their toll, however, and Pat Fenlon has major doubts about Kevin Doherty (hamstring), Owen Heary (knee), Richie Baker (eye) and Ollie Cahill (dead leg). The first two are reckoned to be the most likely to miss out.

"That's one of the problems of having so many games in such a short time, the lads that pick up knocks just don't have the time to recover," says the Shelbourne manager.

"It's the same for everyone, though," he adds, "and we're better placed than most to bring in quality, experienced players so I'm not complaining. St Pat's are always hard to beat at home so obviously it'll be tough but Waterford will provide Bohemians with a test too so we just have to do our best and see how it works out."

The beaten FAI Cup finalists could do with improving on a run of just one win in nine league games if they are to maintain a serious challenge for the Inter-Toto Cup spot currently occupied by Cork City but Eamonn Collins is in a somewhat stronger position ahead of this evening's game than he has been for most of his side's recent outings.

Davy Byrne is out again due to suspension but Paul Osam has some chance of playing despite a hamstring problem while Kharim El Khebir and Anthony Murphy are available for selection again.

Elsewhere, Cork City look set to start John O'Flynn, against Shamrock Rovers at Turner's Cross, as they seek to end a run of three games without a goal. The Irish under-21 international came through the bulk of Tuesday's draw with Longford without any problems and Pat Dolan will hope, with a few more days of training, the striker can rediscover the form he displayed through most of the summer.

Dan Murray and Greg O'Halloran are suspended while Kevin Doyle, Neal Horgan and Colin T O'Brien are all doubts. Alan Reynolds and Stephen Gough will be absent from the Rovers travelling party due to suspension.

Derry manager Gavin Dykes must cope without Paddy McLaughlin (suspension) and Eamon Doherty (calf) for the trip to Belfield. Liam Coyle and Michael Holt face late fitness tests as do Alan Cawley and Mick O'Donnell of UCD, who desperately need to start winning if they are to avoid relegation.