UCD v Galway United, Belfield (7.30)
UCD manager Paul Doolin will have new coach Noel White, who arrived from Shelbourne during the week, in the dugout for tonight's game. Doolin cites White's arrival as an illustration of a growing professional attitude and a significant coup in terms of developing the students. An excellent 4-1 victory away to Monaghan last time out has lifted confidence levels.
Doolin conceded: "This is a match that ourselves and Galway, sides that would be considered relegation candidates, would have targeted to win." John Martin is expected to be available but long-terms casualties Aidan Lynch and Kevin Grogan won't be back before next month.
Galway boss Dave Connell says he has a full squad available with the exception of Brendan O'Connor who will see a specialist this week.
Last season: Galway 1 UCD 4; UCD 0 Galway 1; Galway 1 UCD 2.
Scorers: Robbie Martyn (UCD) 2. Dave Hill (Bohs/Galway) 1, Alan Murphy (Galway) 1.
Form: UCD: DWLDW. Galway: LLDLD.
Betting: UCD 1-2, Galway 11-2, draw 9-4.
Referee: A O'Regan (Cork)
Derry City v Shamrock Rovers, Brandywell (7.45)
League leaders Shamrock Rovers have a number of injury concerns, including joint top-scorer Tony Grant who is nursing a groin strain. Manager Damien Richardson rates Grant doubtful, a prognosis also attached to Mark Kenny (hamstring). Greg Costello has a calf strain but Richardson is more optimistic that the player will be available.
Derry City will be selecting from a full-strength squad and will be hoping to maintain their unbeaten record at home. Three times this season they have lost away from home - to Bohemians, St Patrick's Athletic and Longford. After the Bohemians and St Patrick's games, Derry had victories at the Brandywell over Monaghan and Bray Wanderers; they will be out to maintain that sequence tonight.
Last season: Shamrock Rovers 2 Derry City 0; Derry City 2 Shamrock Rovers 0; Shamrock Rovers 2 Derry City 3.
Scorers: Jamie Hughes (Derry) 2. Tony Grant (Rovers), Sean Francis (Rovers) 3.
Form: Derry: LWLWL. Shamrock Rovers: DWWWW.
Betting: Derry 15-8, Rovers 6-5, draw 9-4.
Referee: H Byrne (Dublin).
