The strength in depth of Shelbourne's squad is tested at Belfield tonight as a glut of injuries hamper manager Pat Fenlon as he attempts to stem the flow of three successive defeats.
Having been forced into three changes for Monday's home defeat to Cork City, which saw them relinquish their leadership of the Premier Division, injuries to defender Dave Rogers (foot) and captain Owen Heary (ankle) in that game add to Fenlon's selection problems against UCD.
An illness to fellow defender Colin Hawkins rules him out while Richie Baker (hamstring) remains sidelined. David Crawley or Ollie Cahill may have to play despite both having had stitches to head cuts following the defeat at Bohemians last Friday night.
Third-bottom UCD have their own problems. Defender Aidan Lynch (calf) and striker Paul Byrne (groin) are big doubts for College who add Kieran Harte to their squad.
Manager Roddy Collins says Jason Gavin will return from England next week to sign a long-term contract with Shamrock Rovers, ending speculation that the former Ireland under-21 international would return permanently to English Championship soccer.
Gavin's absence tonight, coupled with the loss of Pat McCourt's attacking influence due to a hip injury, makes Rovers' task of upsetting Bohemians at Dalymount Park all the greater. Steven Gough and Paul Caffrey are fit to rejoin the squad.
Jimmy Aggrey returns from suspension for Bohemians, though midfielder Fergal Harkin remains unavailable due to work.
Derry City are without right back Damien Brennan (knee) while fellow defender Clive Delaney, midfielder Eamon Doherty and striker Alan Murphy require fitness tests prior to Drogheda visiting the Brandywell.
Though midfielders Sami Ristila (hamstring) and Gavin Whelan (ankle) are out, Dan Connor is fit to resume in goal for Drogheda. Manager Paul Doolin can call on Graham Gartland who returns from suspension.
Paul Donnelly should make his full return for St Patrick's Athletic against Bray Wanderers at Richmond Park, though at right back rather than left as Barry Prenderville is suspended. Stephen Caffrey (chest infection) is manager John McDonnell's only doubt.
Bray wait on striker Stephen Fox who missed the vital win at Finn Harps last week due to a hamstring strain.
