Shamrock Rovers V Derry City

Richmond Park (7.45)

The clash of the weekend sees leaders Shamrock Rovers host Derry City. Rovers were fortunate to escape last weekend with a 1-0 victory over Bohemians, the visitors dominating for long periods but undermined by some poor finishing. Tony Grant grabbed the only goal of the game with a neat finish and he will be competing with Stephen Grant and a fit again Sean Francis for a starting place.

Derry boss Kevin Mahon awaits late fitness tests on first team players Liam Coyle (knee) and Gary Beckett (back). A victory for Rovers would certainly be a huge boost for future battles ahead.

Last two seasons: (2000-2001) Shamrock Rovers 2 Derry City 0. Derry City 2 Shamrock Rovers 0. Shamrock Rovers 2 Derry City 3. (2001-2002) Derry City 2 Shamrock Rovers 0.

Current league form: Shamrock Rovers - W W D D W. Derry City - D D W W W.

Leading scorers: Shamrock Rovers (S Francis, seven). Derry City (J Hughes, four).

Referee: A Kelly.

Shelbourne V Cork City

Tolka Park (7.45)

Cork will be without Conor O'Grady who is suspended but otherwise manager Liam Murphy has a full squad to select from. He is aware of the difficulty of tonight's assignment. "It will be a very difficult game. Over the years the matches between Cork and Shels have produced several classic, high scoring games."

Shelbourne boss Dermot Keely is expected to be back at the helm after missing the last 10 days through illness.

Last two seasons: (2000-2001) Shelbourne 2 Cork City 0. Cork City 1 Shelbourne 1. Shelbourne 0 Cork City 1. (2001-2002) Cork City 1 Shelbourne 0.

Current league form: Shelbourne - W L W L W. Cork City - W W D D W.

Leading scorers: Shelbourne (S Geoghegan, six). Cork City (O Cahill, five).

Referee: R O'Hanlon.

Galway United V UCD

Terryland Park (7.45)

UCD manager Paul Doolin is pleased with their recent run that has seen them win four and draw one of their last five games. "The confidence of the team has grown during that period but knowing sides coached by Tony Mannion I expect a fired up Galway United side. Having said that we will be determined to get something from the game." The home side have lost four of the last five games.

Last two seasons: (2000-2001) UCD 4 Galway United 1; UCD 0 Galway United 1; Galway United 1 UCD 2. (2001-2002) UCD 1 Galway United 2.

Current league form: Galway United - L L W L L. UCD - W W D W W.

Leading scorers: Galway United (B Ryan, three). UCD (R Martyn, seven).

Referee: J Feighery.