Tonight
Finn Harps v Cork City (Ballybofey, 7.15)
New signing Greg Challender comes straight into Finn Harps' central defence as manager Gavin Dykes tries to avoid a repeat of last week's "horror show" at the back when losing 5-2 to Galway. "I pride myself on defending well and keeping clean sheets," said Dykes, who may yet reverse his decision to stop playing. Fergal Harkin and Tom Mohan shipped knocks last week but should be fit.
Cork are expected to be unchanged from the side that beat St Patrick's Athletic in their opening game. Greg O'Halloran completes his two-match ban while Noel Hartigan hurt and ankle in training, though he doesn't feature in manager Derek Mountfield's immediate plans. Derek Coughlan, unable to play until the end of September due to his trial at Luton, has agreed a new two-year contract.
Last season: Finn Harps 1 Cork City 2, Cork City 2 Finn Harps 0, Finn Harps 1 Cork City 1.
Betting: Home 100/30; Draw 2/1; Away 4/5.
Referee: J Feighery (Dublin).
Kilkenny City v Shamrock Rovers (Buckley Park, 5.00)
Kilkenny have signed Derek McGrath on a free from Waterford United and the former under-21 international midfielder will start this evening. Striker Sean Murray is manager Pat Byrne's only injury concern as he struggles with a foot injury, but he's expected to be fit. "We did okay for much of the time against UCD last week but lost due to two sloppy goals," said Byrne. "We've a lot of new players and the side will take time to gel."
Shamrock Rovers manager Damien Richardson is without injured forwards Tony Cousins and Graham Lawlor but has winger-cum-striker Brian Byrne back after his two-match ban.
Last season: Did not meet.
Betting: Home 100/30; Draw 2/1; Away 4/5.
Referee: R O'Hanlon (Waterford).
Longford Town v Shelbourne (Stokestown Road, 7.30)
Longford anticipate a crowd of some 2,500, the biggest in their history, for the visit of double winners Shelbourne for their home debut in the Premier Division. "It was great to win in Derry, but playing Shelbourne will be a different proposition," says Longford manager, Stephen Kenny.
Kenny is without Niall Byrne, Paul Perth and Shay Zellor (ankle injuries) and Stephen Kelly (foot). Vinny Perth is back from suspension.
Shelbourne will hope that the "reality check", as manager Dermot Keely called it, of losing to Bray last week will have given his side a "kick up the backside" and they will bounce straight back. Richie Baker (groin), Pat Fenlon (knee), Mark Hutchison (shin) and Tony McCarthy (ankle) have slight knocks but are expected to be fit to start.
Last season: Did not meet.
Betting: Home 6/1; Draw 9/4; Away 1/2.
Referee: P Whelan (Dublin).
