Kilkenny City v Bohemians

Neither manager expects there to be any great changes to their line ups from the games at the weekend although in the case of Joe McGrath that will be mainly because of the rather more restricted options he has to deal with.

With that in mind, the City boss says that he is on the verge of signing a striker, a left sided midfielder and a centre half all of whom should arrive by the weekend.

In the meantime, McGrath says he was pleased with the performances of Richie Purdy and Matt Nelson against Galway on Saturday, but bitterly disappointed by the standard of the finishing. If things don't improve in that department against his former club then it is hard to see the home side breaking their increasingly grim looking run of defeats.

The visitors are still without the injured Dave Morrison and Mark Dempsey but everybody else is fit and available to Roddy Collins. They could have scored a couple more on Friday evening, but, having put UCD away by two goals, the Dubliner is certain to stick with much the same starting XI.

Last two seasons: 1999/00: Did not meet; 00/01: Have not met.

Recent league form: City: LLLLL; Bohemians: DWLWW.

Leading scorers: City: Murray, Mulcahy, Kabia, Carter and Byrne (one apiece); Bohemians: Crowe (13).

Betting: Home: 5/1, Draw: 9/4, Away: 1/2.

Referee: J O'Neill (Waterford).

Betting courtesy of Paddy Power