Saturday
Longford Town v Bray Wanderers, Flancare Park, 7.30
Longford may not have a better chance to bury their bogey side as their fortune seems to have turned. Bray have won all four games against Longford since the sides returned to the Premier Division last season. But current form would suggest that is about to change.
Longford are unbeaten in six games while Bray struggle to offer any credence to their pre-season billing as dark horses for honours.
Vinny Perth returns for Longford and is likely to come into midfield for Alan Reynolds (knee). Left-winger Seβn Prunty (knee) also gives cause for concern. The unsettled Stephen Gavin stands by. Fergal Coleman continues in attack as Keith O'Connor is out with a knee ligament injury.
Bray, who placed five fringe players on the transfer list this week, are likely to be without their strike force of Paul Keegan (thigh) and Jason Byrne (groin). One from Stephen Fox, Robert Doyle or Kieran O'Brien will partner Barry O'Connor in attack. Midfielder Eddie Gormley ('flu) is a doubt.
Last two seasons: 2000/2001: Longford Town 0 Bray Wanderers 1, Bray Wanderers 3 Longford Town 1, Longford Town 1 Bray Wanderers 3. 2001/2002: Bray Wanderers 5 Longford Town 1.
Current league form: Longford Town: L D W D D; Bray Wanderers: W D D L L.
Leading league scorers: Longford Town: Lavine (five); Bray Wanderers: Byrne (six).
Referee: J. Stacey (Athlone).
Betting: Home: 2/1; Draw: 2/1; Away: 5/4.
Sunday
Cork City v Galway United (Turner's Cross, 2.0)
Galway United were yesterday informed by league commissioner Roy Dooney they must honour an agreement with Cork City and not play Mark Herrick against them. Cork insist Herrick, transferred back to Galway in September, cannot play against them as part of that deal.
Another prodigal son, Fran Carter, will come into Tony Mannion's side as second-bottom United look for their first back-to-back wins of the season.
Cork make one change. Midfielder Anthony Buckley is suspended so Conor O'Grady, returning from suspension, comes back in.
Last two seasons: 2000/2001: Cork City 2 Galway United 0, Galway United 0 Cork City 2, Cork City 3 Galway United 1; 2001/2002: Galway United 1 Cork City 2.
Current league form: Cork City: D D W W L; Galway United: L W L L W.
Leading league scorers: Cork City: Cahill (five); Galway United: Ryan (three).
Referee: J. O'Neill (Waterford)
Betting: Home: 2/5; Draw: 5/2; Away: 13/2.
St Patrick's Athletic v Monaghan United
(Richmond Park, 3.15)
Willie Burke, who returned to first-team action in Wednesday's League Cup win in Sligo, may be set to start again for St Patrick's as Paul Donnelly has knee ligament trouble.
"I made 10 changes for the League Cup game and the performance gave me food for thought," said manager Pat Dolan. "But we were very good in Bray last Sunday and I'm loath to make too many changes."
Bottom of the table Monaghan's season of woe continues as they have Derek Gill, James O'Callaghan and Robbie Forde suspended. Defenders John Carroll and Mick Scully are back from injury but are fit only for the under-21 side, according to manager Bobby Browne.
Last two seasons: 2000/2001: Did not meet; 2001/2002: Monaghan United 1 St Patrick's Athletic 2.
Current league form: St Patrick's Athletic: W L L L W; Monaghan United: L L L L D.
Leading league scorers: St Patrick's Athletic: Mbabazi (eight); Monaghan United: Vaughan (five).
Referee: A O'Regan (Cork).
Betting: Home: 1/3; Draw: 11/4; Away: 7/1.
UCD v Shamrock Rovers
(Belfield, 3.15)
Rovers manager Damien Richardson is under no illusions about the task his side face as they could go six points clear. "It's an opportunity all right," said Richardson, "but it's a big test for us. UCD have been very impressive over the last couple of months."
Pat Scully, over a two-match suspension, has trained this week despite a thigh strain and should start. Marc Kenny is still injured but left-back Tommy Dunne is fit. With right-winger John Martin over a knock he sustained in Galway last week, UCD expect to be back to full strength after two successive defeats.
"Playing Rovers at any time is something to look forward to, even more so when they are top of the table," said UCD player/manager Paul Doolin. "It's a big game for them, but equally so for us. Our priority is to stay in this league."
Last two seasons: 2000/2001: UCD 2 Shamrock Rovers 2, Shamrock Rovers 1 UCD 1, UCD 2 Shamrock Rovers 1. 2001/2002: Shamrock Rovers 3 UCD 1.
Current league form: UCD: W D W W L; Shamrock Rovers: D D W W D.
Leading league scorers: UCD: R. Martin (six); Shamrock Rovers: Francis (seven).
Referee: A. Buttimer (Cork).
Betting: Home: 2/1; Draw: 2/1; Away: 5/4.
