National League: While his opposite number at Bohemians has had to cope with a string of injuries in the opening weeks of the campaign, Pat Fenlon has a full panel to choose from as he takes Shelbourne to Waterford in the hope of extending their lead at the top of the Premier Division table.
United have done well against the sides tipped to challenge Shelbourne for the title, beating Cork City and coming from two down to draw at Dalymount Park, but having seen tonight's opposition a couple of times in recent weeks Alan Reynolds admits his players will have their work cut out to continue the run.
"They're a super team and they'll be a big challenge but so far we've lifted ourselves for the games against the big teams and we just have to look to do it again," says Reynolds.
Fenlon credits Reynolds with strengthening United in key positions, particularly central defence, since taking over in the close season but, he says, "the first half against Longford last week was probably the best football we've played so far this season, it was a very complete team performance and if we can produce that sort of form we'd certainly be hopeful of doing well down there."
While the Dubliners are at full strength Reynolds will again be without Willie Bruton or John Frost while Wayne Fitzgerald returns from injury for the suspended Kevin O'Brien.
Shamrock Rovers take on St Patrick's Athletic at Richmond Park at 7.0 this evening in what is an away game for Liam Buckley's side. The visitors will be looking to put last week's late equaliser against Bohemians and the rest of the controversy that surrounded the game behind them, although the Rovers boss admits it has been another difficult week at the club.
"For a start everybody was devastated by the penalty decision last week which went completely contrary to what had happened us in Derry the week before with the same referee," he said. "What happened with the fans was disappointing but to say it was blown out of proportion afterwards would be putting it mildly.
"Anyway, we've just got to get on with it and this is an important match for us. We're still looking at what can be done about Jason McGuinness' red card because we really don't feel it was deserved but apart from that, we have Derek Tracey, Pat Deans and Stephen Grant back in training this week so, apart from Liam Kelly (groin), we should be fairly close to full strength."
The hosts, still looking for their first home win of the season, are likely to be unchanged from last week's game against Waterford as Eamonn Collins is still waiting for Dessie Byrne, Con Blatsis and Barry Prenderville to shake off injuries.
Having recovered from their poor start, Drogheda head for Cork this evening with a full squad but Pat Dolan must cope without the suspended Colin O'Brien.
