Tonight

St Patrick's Ath v Cork City (7.35)

(Network 2, 7.30)

Not for years has a League of Ireland game generated the sense of expectancy that is building up around this evening's Premier Division meeting of the joint leaders, St Patrick's Athletic and Cork City, at Richmond Park.

With three series of fixtures remaining, it is premature to describe it as the championship decider. Yet, as the rival managers, Liam Buckley and Dave Barry, acknowledged yesterday, it is difficult to categorise it as anything less.

"Both teams will still have 180 minutes ahead of them leaving the park tonight, but it's going to be hard, very hard, for the losers to make up three points in the remaining games," said Buckley.

Against that backdrop, the game will have all the characteristics of a cup final. However, in spite of the slim margin for error, Barry believes that it will not condense into a fixation for survival.

"Sure, the stakes are high, but it is not in the make up of either team to close a game down," he said. "St Pat's will be looking to win the title tomorrow and from our viewpoint, it's a case of now or never."

In their two championship meetings to date, the Dubliners have come out on top, winning with two goals from Trevor Molloy at home in October before coming from behind to record a 2-1 success at Turner's Cross in January.

In each instance, Cork were betrayed by poor finishing and it scarcely helps their cause now that Gerald Dobbs, their English striker who has re-established himself in the team in recent weeks, is doubtful with a hamstring problem sustained in the 5-2 win at Sligo.

Dobbs's absence would mean a return to the front line partnership of Pat Morley and John Caulfield, the most lethal in the country at one point, but, undeniably, fallen on hard times this season.

Nor is Dobbs the only Cork doubt as Declan Daly strives to prove his fitness after missing their last three games. Daly's influence on those around him has seldom been less than profound and stripped of this rallying point, the visitors would feel a lot more vulnerable in defence.

By contrast, the team news from St Patrick's is encouraging. Ian Gilzean is available for selection after missing out on their big win over Sligo, but more importantly Buckley will be able to count on the midfield skills of Eddie Gormley for the first time since he damaged a knee in the FAI Cup game at Galway on March 5th.

Gormley's foot has been on most of what mattered for the champions in recent seasons. Now, in spite of his sketchy preparation, he may again be destined to fill a pivotal role when he lines up alongside Paul Osam and Martin Russell in a formidable midfield formation.

With Kelvin Flanagan and Ollie Cahill on either side of Patsy Freyne and Mark Herrick deployed as the anchor, Cork are scarcely short of either skill or maturity in the critical struggle for central control.

Yet, they will be chastened by the memories of Russell's outstanding second-half display at Turner's Cross and the significant damage Molloy wrought in the earlier game at Richmond Park. A repeat performance from either player now could well sweep St Patrick's to their most coveted success of the season.

Last season: Cork City 0 St Patrick's 1, St Patrick's 3 Cork City 3, Cork City 1 St Patrick's 1.

This season: St Patrick's 2 Cork City 0, Cork City 1 St Patrick's 2.

Recent league form: St Patrick's DWDDW; Cork City: WDDWW.

Leading scorers: St Patrick's: Molloy: (16); Cork City: Flanagan: (11).

Betting: Home: 6/4; Draw: 7/4; Away: 15/8.

Referee: R O'Hanlon (Waterford).

Waterford Utd v Dundalk (7.45)

The final stage of the relegation battle starts here. Dundalk's five successive losses have left them alone at the bottom, while a rejuvenated Waterford have won three out of the last four and moved up to ninth.

With just three games left, the best Dundalk can salvage may well be the play-off spot. They will be without the suspended David Crawley and Padraig Gallogley, although the rest of the squad are all fit to play.

With top goal-scorer Karl Gannon returning from suspension, Waterford manager Mike Flanagan has his complete squad available and a win tonight would put Waterford in a very healthy position before their remaining four games. Dundalk are the more desperate, and with UCD and Finn Harps to come, nothing less than a win will give them any hopes for survival.

Last two seasons: 1997/98: Did not meet; 98/99: Waterford 1 Dundalk 0, Dundalk 2 Waterford 0.

Recent league form: Waterford: LWDWW; Dundalk: LLLLL.

Leading scorers: Waterford: Gannon (four); Dundalk: Ward (four).

Betting: Home: 4/5; Draw: 9/4; Away: 3/1.

Referee: P McKeon (Dublin)

Betting courtesy of Paddy Power

First Division

Galway United will be doing everything to keep their promotion chances alive when Longford Town visit Terryland Park. They were on their way to second spot before Kilkenny's late equaliser last Saturday, but with a game in hand over the top two, a win here could put them back in contention for the leading spot. Manager Don O'Riordan has a full panel available.

Athlone Town, meanwhile, continue to have problems at the other end of the table. With Monaghan unbeaten in their last three, they will be expecting to bring home a few more points from St Mel's Park.

Fixtures: Galway United v Longford Town, Athlone Town v Monaghan United (both 7.45).

By Ian O'Riordan