Weekend previews

Saturday

Saturday

Derry City v Galway United (7.30)

City look like having to cope once again without either of their first choice strikers for the visit of Galway as Liam Coyle is likely to miss out due to injury while Gary Beckett is a long time absentee.

Paul Hegarty should be back for the hosts and there is talk that Russell Payne will stay on for next season. [Q L]

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Don O'Riordan expects to give teenage twins Barry and Jason Moran their full debuts for United after the pair did well in midweek. "They're full of confidence at the moment," said O'Riordan yesterday.

Last two seasons: 1999/00: United 0 City 2, City 2 United 0, United 2 City 1; 00/01: City 0 United 1, United 1 City 0.

Recent league form: City: WLLLW; United: WLDDL.

Leading scorers: City: Doherty (six); United: Lavine (10).

Betting: Home: 4/6, Draw: 9/4, Away: 7/2. Referee: I Stokes (Dublin).

Sunday

Cork City v UCD (2.0)

AS the hosts look to continue their late charge for a place in Europe Liam Murphy's only real difficulty is whether to bring back young central defender Damien O'Rourke who missed last week's game. John Caulfield and Anthony Buckley are both carrying slight knocks but Murphy expects both to be fit and to figure. UCD will give Pat Jennings his first start in goal due to Barry Ryan's groin injury.

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

Recent league form: City: WWWWW; UCD: LWDLL.

Leading scorers: City: Morley (seven); UCD: McDonnell (five).

Betting: Home: 8/13, Draw: 9/4, Away: 4/11. Referee: D McKeon (Dublin).

FAI CUP (Quarter-final)

Portmarnock v Longford Town (Tolka Park, 3.0)

The Junior Cup champions will be without Colm Brannigan again this weekend while striker Johhny Doran has a hamstring problem. Stephen Kenny is expecting his central defensive partnership of Eric Smith and Paul McNally to resume action after the pair came through training without any great problems.

Route to quarters: Portmarnock: First round: Beat Fanad United 3-1 at home after 1-1 draw away; Second round: Beat Rockmount at home; Third round: Beat Dundalk 1-0 at home. Longford Town: Second round: Beat Cork City 2-1 away after 1-1 draw at home; Third round: Beat St Patrick's Athletic 2-1 away after 1-1 draw at home.

Betting: Home: 9/2, Draw: 5/2, Away: 8/15. Referee: P McKeon (Dublin).

Betting courtesy of Paddy Power.

Emmet Malone

Emmet Malone

Emmet Malone is Work Correspondent at The Irish Times