Premier Division
Bohemians v Cork City (Dalymount Park, 7.45)
A CLASH of two out-of-form sides, with only one win between them in 12 games: an unthinkable scenario but a month ago.
Both managers know only too well that it's a must win game, though for different reasons. Cork have taken just five points from their last five games and are out of the cup, and manager Dave Barry knows the five-point gap between them and leaders St Patrick's must not get bigger.
"We have to realise that we can't wait for things to happen for us," stressed Barry. "We've got to start scoring goals and stop conceding them. We've simply got to be more positive."
Cork aren't helped by the continued absence due to a lung infection of in-form striker Pat Morley. Otherwise Barry has a full panel to pick from.
Bohemians hope to have captain Tony O'Connor back following a groin strain and must wait on goalkeeper Michael Dempsey who has a broken finger. Brian O'Shea, who deputised last week, stands by. Graham Doyle is also an injury doubt for manager Roddy Collins, who also has the headache of imminent suspensions that will rob him of five players.
Last two seasons: 1997/98: Cork City 1 Bohemians 1, Bohemians 4 Cork City 2, Cork City 2 Bohemians 0; 1998/99: Bohemians 0 Cork City 2, Cork City 0 Bohemians 0.
Current league form: Bohemians: WWDLL; Cork City: DLDWL.
Leading league scorers: Bohemians: Swan (nine); Cork City: Flanagan (seven).
Referee: G Perry (Dublin).
Betting: Home: 7/4; Draw: 9/4; Away: 5/4.
Shelbourne v Finn Harps (Tolka Park, 7.45)
FINN HARPS manager Charlie McGeever believes the pressure is on Shelbourne to win as the battle for third place mounts.
"It's not exactly a do or die game for us, but it is for Shelbourne," said McGeever, whose side have a two-point advantage plus a game in hand over Shelbourne in joint fourth place.
Both sides are in good form with Harps unbeaten in seven, including a cup success over Cork City, while Shelbourne have won their last three.
Shelbourne, without long-term injuries Pat Fenlon and Greg Costello, expect to be unchanged from the side that won at UCD last Sunday. Finn Harps are at full strength.
Last two season: 1997/98: Finn Harps 3 Shelbourne 1, Shelbourne 3 Finn Harps 2, Finn Harps 0 Shelbourne 0; 1998/99: Shelbourne 0 Finn Harps 0, Finn Harps 3 Shelbourne 2.
Current league form: Shelbourne: LLDWW; Finn Harps : DDDWW.
Leading league scorers: Shelbourne: Sheridan (10); Finn Harps: Mulligan and Speak (eight each).
Referee: P Whelan (Dublin).
Betting: Home: 11/10; Draw: 9/4; Away: 2/1.
Waterford Utd v St Patrick's Ath (Regional Sports Centre, 7.45)
"WE'RE not daydreaming of winning leagues and cups," insists St Patrick's Athletic manager Liam Buckley. However, the reality of back-to-back titles will come very much into focus tonight as they could be eight points clear if results go their way.
"We've been very good at keeping ourselves focused on the match in hand," added Buckley. "But you never can take anything for granted. Our last good run came to an end when we played Dundalk when they were bottom, so going to Waterford is a potential banana skin for us."
Having lost to them twice already this season, a full strength St Patrick's is the last thing bottom-of-the-table Waterford, without a win in 14 games, would want to face.
Goalkeeper Michael Devine, absent through suspension last week, is back for Waterford, as is striker Dominic Iorfa, who missed the 2-0 defeat at Finn Harps with a slight hamstring strain. Barry Wood, Alan Reynolds and Robbie Griffin are all still injured.
Last two season: 1997/98: Did not meet; 1998/99: Waterford United 0 St Patrick's Athletic 2, St Patrick's Athletic 2 Waterford United 0.
Current league form: Waterford United: LDDLL; St Patrick's Athletic: WWWDW.
Leading league scorers: Waterford United: Dully, Gannon and Wood (two each); St Patrick's Athletic: Gilzean and Molloy (12 each).
Referee: T Tully (Cork).
Betting: Home: 100/30; Draw: 9/4; Away: 8/11.
Derry City defender Stuart Gauld has been placed on the transfer list at his own request. The 34-year-old, who has failed to command a first-team place recently, will seek a move back to the Irish League.
First Division
A FIFTH win this season over Home Farm/Everton at Terryland Park tonight would put in-form Galway United back on top of the table.
Having hurdled the psychological barrier of beating the top two in their last two games, to extend their unbeaten run to 13 matches, Galway also have the luxury of next week's FAI Cup quarter-final against St Patrick's Athletic to look forward to.
Galway are without the suspended Eric Levine while both Ryan Lucas and Ricky O'Flaherty must pass late fitness tests. Home Farm welcome back goalkeeper Paul Whelan who missed last week's defeat in Longford with a shoulder injury.
St Francis, without a win in 22 league games, take on revitalised Monaghan United at Baldonnel without Neil Gallagher (flu) and Darren Sheridan (knee).
Matches: Galway United v Home Farm/Everton (7.45), St Francis v Monaghan United (7.30).
