Derry City v Longford Town

(Brandywell, 7.45)

Nothing like your bogey side to keep you on your toes and lessen any thoughts of complacency. Derry's amazing home record - six wins and a draw courtesy of a late, late UCD equaliser - goes on the line tonight against Longford, a side Derry have managed to take just one point off in their four meetings since Stephen Kenny's midlanders were promoted last season.

"We're doing very well, but we've never beaten Longford since they came up so we'll take nothing for granted," says Derry manager Kevin Mahon who reports no fresh injuries.

Longford's deserved defeat of Shelbourne last week had the added bonus of lifting them out of the bottom three for the first time in six weeks and confidence has been restored. Further good news sees captain Wes Byrne fit to resume following a back strain, though Shay Zellor and Sean Riordan remain sidelined.

Last two seasons: 2000/2001: Derry City 0 Longford Town 1, Longford Town 1 Derry City 0, Derry City 0 Longford Town 0; 2001/2002: Longford Town 1 Derry City 0.

Current league form: Derry City: WWWWW; Longford Town: DLLDW.

Leading league scorers: Derry City: Hughes (four); Longford Town: Lavine (five).

Referee: D. Hancock (Dublin).

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

Shelbourne v Bray Wanderers

(Tolka Park, 7.45)

"We haven't really shown the form we had last season yet," says Bray manager Pat Devlin, whose side have disappointed some who felt they might be the dark horses of this campaign. "But we are hoping to take it up another level. We've shown a couple of glimpses of that form but have been unlucky with injuries."

Speaking of which, Wes Charles and Stephen Fox, absentees for last week's 0-0 draw at home to Derry City, are fit for selection. Left-back Maurice Farrell, having made his 200th appearance last week, is suspended.

Shelbourne remain without Dessie Baker (knee) while Brian Byrne is out with tendonitis. Richie Baker, groin strain slightly rested, should be fit to start, while Jim Gannon returns from suspension. Central defender Tony McCarty suffered a knock in training but should start.

Last two seasons: 2000/2001: Shelbourne 0 Bray Wanderers 1, Bray Wanderers 3 Shelbourne 0, Shelbourne 3 Bray Wanderers 2. 2001/2002: Bray Wanderers 0 Shelbourne 3.

Current league form: Shelbourne: WWLWL; Bray Wanderers: WLWDD.

Leading league scorers: Shelbourne: Geoghegan (six); Bray Wanderers: Byrne (six).

Referee: J. McDermott (Dublin).

Betting: Home: 8/11; Draw: 9/4; Away: 10/3.

UCD v Monaghan United

(Belfield, 7.30)

UCD have the luxury of naming an unchanged side for the fourth league game running.

No such luck for bottom-of-the-table Monaghan. John Carroll and Derek Gill are still out while Trevor Vaughan and Eddie Meier may again have to play through injuries.

Last two seasons: 2000/2001: Did not meet; 2001/2002: Monaghan United 1 UCD 4.

Current league form: UCD: LWWDW; Monaghan United: WLLLL.

Leading scorers: UCD: R. Martin (six); Monaghan United: Vaughan (four).

Referee: J. Stacey (Athlone).

Betting: Home: 2/5; Draw: 11/4; Away: 6/1.