Today (7.30)
Finn Harps v Derry City
These two had contrasting fortunes on the transfer front yesterday: Derry signed Robert Bell, a 21-year-old midfielder from Ayr United, but Harps failed to complete a loan deal for a replacement for Sammy Johnston.
Bell joins City's strongest squad for more than a month, with Gavin Dykes and Robbie Brunton fit, Tom Mohan facing a late test and Mike Small coming into the panel. Only Sean Hargan, who is suspended, is definitely out.
Charlie McGeever, meanwhile, goes into the game with the same panel that travelled to Belfield last weekend. The loss of Johnston and absence of Jonathon Speak then left them "light up front", says the Harps manager, but they will have to make do without them and Stuart Gauld again this evening.
Last two seasons: 1996/97: Harps 0 Derry 1, Derry 3 Harps 0, Harps 0 Derry 1; 97/98: Derry 1 Harps 0.
Recent league form: Harps: WLLWD; Derry: DLLWD.
Leading scorers: Harps: Speak (eight), Mulligan (five); Derry: Keddy and Hargan (five apiece).
Betting: Home: 6 to 4, Draw: 2 to 1, Away: 7 to 4. Referee: P McKeon (Dublin).
Kilkenny City V Drogheda United
This looks to be a final eliminator for the survival scramble, although in truth neither team would appear to be capable of catching UCD and avoiding automatic relegation.
Both, however, will be attempting to draw some comfort from last weekend's results. Alfie Hale will field much the same side which drew at the Brandywell, and Martin Lawlor's side is, as he puts it, "keen as mustard" to win. They will have to do it without James Impey, Rod de Khors and Andy Ramage, though, all of whom are all likely to miss out due to injury.
Last two seasons: 1996/97: Drogheda 1 Kilkenny 1, Kilkenny 2 Drogheda 1, Drogheda 1 Kilkenny 0; 97/98: Drogheda 0 Kilkenny 0.
Recent league form: Kilkenny: DLLLD; Drogheda: DLLWD.
Leading scorers: Kilkenny: Hale (three); Drogheda: N Reid (three).
Betting: Home: 2 to 1, Draw: 2 to 1, Away: 11 to 8. Referee: T Tully (Cork).
Sligo Rovers v UCD
UCD will be hoping a result could help them to avoid a play-off match at the end of the season, but Sligo are eyeing up the other end of the table again after a sequence of decent results which has restored confidence to the Showgrounds team.
Nicky Reid reckons that, from their current position in the table, a couple of wins strung together could get them into the battle for a European place. But the key point is that the team must keep winning, rather than drawing, over the coming weeks.
This evening, Lee Thew and Reid himself are suspended, and Steve Jones is ruled out by a knee injury which was picked up during training this week while recovering from a thigh strain. The students include Tony McDonnell in the squad, with the defender likely to play a part at the proceedings at some point even if he doesn't start.
Last two seasons: 1996/97: Sligo 2 UCD 1, UCD 1 Sligo 1, Sligo 2 UCD 0; 97/98: UCD 0 Sligo 0.
Recent league form: Sligo: DWWDD; UCD: DLDDD.
Leading scorers: Sligo: Jones and Moran (five apiece); UCD: Sherlock (four), Bennis and Griffin (three apiece).
Betting: Home: 11 to 10, Draw: 9 to 4, Away: 9 to 4. Referee: A O'Regan (Cork).
Tomorrow (3.15)
Bohemians v Cork City
The form of the Dubliners has turned since they lost to City a few weeks ago in the cup, and Turlough O'Connor will be hoping that his men can keep on edging up towards the European placings with another win. Peter Hanrahan is doubtful after picking up a thigh injury in the win over Shelbourne, but Tommy Byrne is almost fully fit again and may take a place on the bench.
City have a few problems, with Jason Kabia and Patsy Freyne definitely ruled out and Stephen Napier doubtful. John Caulfield is likely to start up front, while the back four will be unchanged from the one which started in last weekend's draw with Sligo.
Last two seasons: 1996/97: Bohemians 1 Cork City 0, Cork 0 Bohemians 0, Bohemians 1 Cork 0; 97/98: Cork 1 Bohemians 1.
Recent league form: Bohemians: DWWDW; Cork: DDDDD.
Leading scorers: Bohemians: Lawlor (six); Cork: O'Brien (seven), Cahill and O'Brien (five apiece). Betting: Home: 6 to 4, Draw: 9 to 4, Away: 2 to 1.
Referee: H Byrne (Dublin).
Betting courtesy of Paddy Power.
