Derry City v St Patrick's Athletic (Saturday, 7.30) - With City goalkeeper Russell Payne having departed for Portugal to join up with the New York/Jersey Metrostars, John Connolly returns to the home side's starting line-up. Paul Hegarty and Liam Coyle, both rested at Bray last week, are likely to start today.

The visitors may well have to cope without Stephen McGuinness (hamstring) so Daragh Maguire could revert to central defence after having played in midfield at Belfield. Paul Osam (hamstring) will probably miss out again while Charles Livingstone Mbabazi will almost certainly return.

Last two seasons: 1999/00: St Patrick's 1 City 2, City 0 St Patrick's 3, St Patrick's 1 City 1; 00/01: City 1 St Patrick's 1, St Patrick's 1 City 0.

Recent league form: City: LWWDL; St Patrick's: WWDWW.

Leading scorers: City: Doherty (four); St Patrick's: Kelly (eight).

Betting: Home: 6/4, Draw: 11/5, Away: 6/4.

Referee: P Whelan (Dublin).

Cork City v Bray Wanderers (Sunday, 2.0) - Cork's Derek Coughlan, who fractured a bone in his foot last month, may be involved. Anthony Buckley, Kelvin Flanagan and Colin O'Brien are match fit and at least two of the three are likely to start. Mark Herrick is suspended.

Bray's Eddie Gormley and Wesley Charles are suspended, while Davy Williamson is doubtful.

Last two seasons: 1999/00: Did not meet; 00/01: City 0 Wanderers 0, Wanderers 1 City 0.

Recent league form: City: WDLLD; Wanderers: DWDLW.

Leading scorers: City: Morley (six); Wanderers: Tresson (nine).

Betting: Home: 11/8, Draw: 11/5, Away: 13/8.

Referee: J McDermott (Dublin).

Shamrock Rovers v Longford Town (Sunday, 2.30) - The hosts will hardly be changed much after winning 4-0 away last weekend and even if Tony Cousins comes through a friendly under-21 game today he seems likely to start on the bench. For Longford, Stephen Kelly and Keith O'Connor are available again.

Last two seasons: 1999/00: Did not meet; 00/01: Rovers 3 Town 2, Town 2 Rovers 1.

Recent league form: Rovers: DLWLW; Longford: LLWDL.

Leading scorers: Rovers: Francis (10); Longford: O'Connor (five).

Betting: Home: 11/10, Draw: 9/4, Away: 2/1.

Referee: A Kelly (Cork).

UCD v Bohemians (Sunday, 3.15) - Martin Moran's frustration with the performances in recent weeks continues to grow with last weekend's league defeat and Monday's draw in the League Cup final. Eamonn McLoughlin, Glen Fitzpatrick and David Quinn could start tomorrow.

Roddy Collins, meanwhile, has a full squad to choose from with Dave Hill returning to action. Assuming he starts, Stephen Caffrey will probably return to central midfield.

Last two seasons: 1999/00: UCD 0 Bohemians 2, Bohemians 1 UCD 0, Bohemians 1 UCD 2; 00/01: UCD 0 Bohemians 1, Bohemians 2 UCD 0.

Recent league form: UCD: DDLWL; Bohemians: LWDWD.

Leading scorers: UCD: McDonnell and Grogan (four apiece); Bohemians: crowe (16).

Betting: Home: 13/8, Draw: 11/5, Away: 11/8.

Referee: J Feighery (Dublin).

Betting courtesy of Paddy Power