Drogheda United v Galway United (United Park, 7.45)

Desperate days for both clubs as they fight to avoid dropping straight back down to the First Division after their promotions last year.

Drogheda's need is greater, for the moment at least, as they've plummeted to the bottom of the table after five successive defeats. Galway are only marginally better off; last week's 0-0 draw with Shelbourne ending a similar run of defeats for them.

James Impey has had a minor knee operation and will be out of the Drogheda central defence for several weeks. Alan Murphy returns from suspension, while Gareth Byrne should resume in goal having missed last week's defeat at Shamrock Rovers due to a family bereavement.

Galway, who remain without the suspended Ollie Keogh, wait on Jason Kabia (foot) while David Forde and Mike Keane remain sidelined.

Manager Don O'Riordan bolstered his squad last night with three new signings: Sean Malee, a 17-year-old right winger from Kiltimagh, centre forward Matthias O'Malley from Mervue United and Jonathan King, who scored 28 goals for Ashtownvilla in the Leinster Senior League last season. Last two seasons: 1998/99 First Division: Galway United 2 Drogheda United 2, Drogheda United 1 Galway Untied 1, Drogheda United 0 Galway United 2. 1999/2000 Premier Division: Galway United 1 Drogheda United 1.

Current league form: Drogheda United: LLLLL. Galway United: LLLLD.

Leading scorers: Drogheda United: M Byrne and O'Keeffe (two each); Galway United: Clery (four).

Referee: J Stacey (Athlone).

Betting: Home: 6/4, Draw: 11/5, Away: 6/4.

Finn Harps v Shamrock Rovers (Finn Park, 7.45)

Damien Richardson's worst fears were realised this week when it was confirmed that winger Billy Woods had broken a toe and will be out for several weeks.

Woods was cruelly kicked out of last week's win over Drogheda after scoring a hat-trick. The damage may be worse as doctors say Woods needs another X-ray to determine any further damage.

The depth in the Rovers squad will thus be tested to the full over the coming weeks with Tony Cousins entering hospital this week for an exploratory operation on the knee that has sidelined him for several weeks.

Shane Robinson comes in on the right-side of midfield with Brian Byrne moving to the left, while Sean Francis continues in attack alongside Graham Lawlor.

Gavin Dykes will learn over the weekend whether his post as the club's player/manager will be made permanent. Dykes, who took temporary charge following Charlie McGeever's resignation last month, is again doubtful with a groin strain.

Goalkeeper Brian McKenna (thigh) and leading scorer James Mulligan (chest infection) are doubts, but both expect to be fit.

Last two seasons: 1998/99: Finn Harps 2 Shamrock Rovers 1, Shamrock Rovers 2 Finn Harps 0, Finn Harps 4 Shamrock Rovers 1. 1999/2000: Shamrock Rovers 3 Finn Harps 1.

Current league form: Finn Harps: WWLWL. Shamrock Rovers: LLDDW.

Leading scorers: Finn Harps: Mulligan (seven); Shamrock Rovers: Woods (six).

Referee: E Barr (Dublin).

Betting: Home: 9/4, Draw: 9/4, Away: evens.

St Patrick's Athletic v UCD (Richmond Park, 7.45)

With leading scorer Marcus Hallows suspended, St Patrick's manager Liam Buckley must decide between playing either Ger McCarthy or Alan McNevin in attack alongside Trevor Molloy.

There are bound to be changes elsewhere as well with Paul Osam, fit again after a hip complaint, and Paul Donnelly, rested last week because of a knee injury, likely to return in midfield.

Colin Hawkins, over a rib injury, and Stephen McGuinness are in contention to start at the back as St Patrick's defend an unbeaten run of eight games.

UCD work from the same 16 they've used for the last four games in which they are unbeaten. Peter Hanrahan (virus), Barry Ryan (back), Tony McDonnell (hamstring) and Clive Delaney (ankle) are all slight doubts but all should be fit.

Last two seasons: 1998/99: St Patrick's Athletic 1 UCD 0, UCD 2 St Patrick's Athletic 2, St Patrick's Athletic 0 UCD 0. 1999/2000: UCD 2 St Patrick's Athletic 2.

Current league form: St Patrick's Athletic: WWDWW. UCD: LDWWD.

Leading scorers: St Patrick's Athletic: Hallows (four); UCD: Martyn (four).

Referee: A O'Regan (Cork).

Betting: Home: 4/6, Draw: 12/5, Away: 7/2.

Shelbourne v Bohemians (Tolka Park, 7.45)

Bohemians manager Roddy Collins has thrown down the gauntlet to Shelbourne by insisting they should win the title, ahead of the capital's oldest derby tonight.

"The pressure is on Shelbourne. They have to win the league, everyone knows that," said Collins, who scarcely regards going to Drumcondra as an away fixture.

"We've played enough games at Tolka Park this season already to call it a home ground, so it should be very interesting."

Bohemians go into the game boosted by the return of the influential Kevin Hunt to their midfield following suspension. Graham Doyle continues to partner Shaun Maher in central defence as Eoin Mullen serves the second of his two-match ban.

Shelbourne's problems in finding the net - just 15 goals from 12 games - hasn't hampered their title challenge and manager Dermot Keely isn't too perturbed about it.

"The only problem we've had in recent weeks is that we haven't been converting our chances," said Keely.

Shelbourne have the luxury of having a full squad available with Keely's only problem being who of his talented panel to leave out.

Last two seasons: 1998/99: Shelbourne 2 Bohemians 1, Bohemians 2 Shelbourne 0, Shelbourne 1 Bohemians 2. 1999/2000: Bohemians 0 Shelbourne 1.

Current league form: Shelbourne: WDWDD. Bohemians: DWWWL.

Leading league scorers: Shelbourne: R Baker, Fenlon, S Geoghegan, Haylock and Scully (all two each), Bohemians: Crowe (six).

Referee: H Byrne (Dublin).

Betting: Home: 11/10, Draw: 9/4, Away: 2/1.

First Division

Kilkenny City v Limerick FC (7.30)

Galway United's Billy Clery, still awaiting news of his appeal against an earlier three-match suspension, yesterday received a two-match ban for his recent sending off against St Patrick's Athletic.

Team-mate and fellow central defender Kieran Foley has received a one-match suspension for his dismissal in the same match.

Also out for one upcoming game are Gavin Doyle of St Francis and Athlone Town pair Conor Frawley and Adrian Carberry. Bohemians' manager Roddy Collins and Fergus McNally and Gerry McGrath, members of the technical staff at Longford Town and Waterford United respectively, have all been warned about their future conduct having been reported by referees after recent games.

Betting courtesy of Paddy Power