A look at the weekend's action

Having already seen his side go up against them in the Setanta Cup, Cork City boss Damien Richardson sees this evening's game away to Drogheda United as a clash between two serious title contenders.

"I think when you look at the players they've brought in over the summer you'd have to say they can make that next step up now so it's a very big game for us," he said. "Every league game is important, of course, but it's the ones like this, against the teams you expect to be there at the end of the season that mean that little more. Win these and you're get that little bit further along towards the big prize."

Richardson has two players - Joe Gamble and Roy O'Donovan - back from Setanta Cup suspension but the former is a serious doubt after picking up an ankle injury in training.

Drogheda should be in fine fettle after their demolition of Portadown but they will be without Keith Fahey (knee) for the game and manager Paul Doolin may look to shake things up for what is the club's third game in eight days. Sami Ristilla is a doubt.

Neither manager, meanwhile, has any concerns ahead of tonight's visit by Bohemians to the Showgrounds where Sligo Rovers will kick off their first season back in the Premier Division.

This week a bout of flu has hit several squad members but, with the four players worst affected all having taken some part in training yesterday, manager Seán Connor is confident that he will have a full squad to choose from.

SATURDAY - Premier Division: Drogheda United v Cork City (7.45), Sligo Rovers v Bohemians (7.30). First Division: Kildare County v Finn Harps (7.30), Kilkenny City v Monaghan United (7.30).