National League: Previews

Stephen Kenny's side remain unbeaten in the league and there is little in the recent form of their opponents this evening to …

Stephen Kenny's side remain unbeaten in the league and there is little in the recent form of their opponents this evening to suggest that the run is about to be ended.

Bohemians v St Patrick's Athletic

(Dalymount Park, 7.45)

The hosts may be without a couple of their most influential players this evening, however, with Paul Keegan and Kevin Hunt both struggling to shake off knee injuries picked up during last weekend's draw with Shamrock Rovers. If Keegan doesn't make it then Gary O'Neill will partner Glen Crowe up front while Hunt's absence from midfield would mean Damien Lynch moving forward to fill the gap while Tony O'Connor comes in at right back.

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Looking for what be only their second win in 10 league games St Patrick's are expected to be more or less unchanged from the team that drew with Bray last week. Charles Mbabazi is still out with a back problem while Darragh Maguire's continuing absence with a groin strain means that Jamie Harris will continue in central defence.

Last two seasons: 2001/2002: St Patrick's Ath 1 Bohemians 1, Bohemians 0 St Patrick's Ath 2, St Patrick's Ath 2 Bohemians 0; 2002/2003: St Patrick's Ath 1 Bohemians 1.

Leading scorers: Bohemians: Crowe (11); St Patrick's Ath: Bird (four).

League form: Bohemians: W W W W D; St Patrick's Ath: L L L D D.

Betting: Home: 4/5, Draw: 23/10, Away: 11/4.

Referee: A O'Regan (Cork).

Bray Wanderers v Cork City

(Carlisle Grounds, 7.45)

Cork City may have cantered through the first meeting between these two clubs this season but their form in recent weeks suggests that this will be a much tighter contest.

"We won that one 3-0," says Liam Murphy, "but we were flying at the time, we'd have beaten anybody. It's been a little harder recently but we've kept a couple of clean sheets in our last two games and if we can do it again then we'll be in with a good chance of putting our away hoodoo to rest."

Greg O'Halloran returns to the squad after serving a one-match suspension while Declan Daly and Alan Bennett are back in contention after shaking off minor injury problems earlier in the week. Bray add newly signed striker Graham Lawlor to their squad but Jody Lynch, Maurice Farrell and Jason Byrne are missing while Eddie Gromley and Thomas Morgan are doubtful.

Last two seasons: 2001/2002: Bray Wanderers 2 Cork City 2, Cork City 0 Bray Wanderers 1, Bray Wanderers 2 Cork City 2; 2002/2003: Cork City 3 Bray Wanderers 0.

Leading scorers: Bray Wanderers: Byrne (seven); Cork City: O'Flynn (eight).

League form: Bray Wanderers: W L D L D; Cork City: L L L D W.

Betting: Home: 11/5, Draw: 11/5, Away: Evens.

Referee: D McKeon (Dublin).

Emmet Malone

Emmet Malone

Emmet Malone is Work Correspondent at The Irish Times