FAI National League Previews, Tonight (7.45)

St Patrick's Ath v Sligo Rovers

Sligo scored what was, given the two sides' respective form at the time, a fairly unlikely victory in this tie last year and they could do with repeating that trick tonight.

Nicky Reid was reasonably happy with the way his men performed last week against Cork but he, and they, could do with a few more wins. It won't be easy at Richmond Park but the Rovers manager, still without Padraig Moran and Conor O'Grady (injured) and Steve Birks (suspended), will stick with the much the same team that he fielded in the last two games in the hope that a settled side can pull something out of the bag.

Liam Buckley, on the other hand, will have to make at least one switch as full-back Keith Doyle is suspended. Who'll come in is something which Buckley hasn't decided yet, but there are plenty of options as everyone else is available. Colin Hawkins and Thomas Morgan return after victory over the Maltese under-21 side on Tuesday.

Last season: Sligo 3 St Patrick's Ath 4; St Patrick's Ath 1 Sligo 2; Sligo 1 St Patrick's 1.

Recent league form: St Patrick's Ath W W L W W; Sligo L D D D L.

Leading scorers: St Patrick's Ath: Gilzean and Molloy (four each); Sligo: Shannon (three).

Betting: Home: 2/5; Draw: 5/2; Away: 7/1.

Referee: P McKeon (Dublin).

Shamrock Rovers v UCD

According to the managers, both of these sides turned in something approaching their best performances of the season last week, but Rovers still lost. That's something they'll be keen to put right against the students this evening.

In recent years Rovers have picked up more of the Belfield Park graduates than Pegasus and that may serve to make this encounter even more competitive than usual. But the start that both clubs have made to the campaign should provide all the motivation required.

Tommy Dunne is not expected to be fit as a hip injury is still troubling him. However, Jason Colwell should be fine having finally shaken off the minor knock that troubled him through the last couple of games.

UCD may be without Tony McDonnell who missed the win over Bray due to a back problem, while goalkeeper Barry Ryan is still suffering the after effects of his collision a couple of weeks ago with Paul Osam. Ryan will play again, though, while Graham Brett will deputise if McDonnell doesn't make it.

Last season: UCD 0 Shamrock Rovers 3; Shamrock Rovers 2 UCD 0; UCD 0 Shamrock Rovers 0.

Recent league form: Rovers D D D W L; UCD W D L L W.

Leading scorers: Shamrock Rovers: Sherlock and Cousins (two each); UCD: Bennis (two).

Betting: Home: 4/5; Draw: 12/5; Away: 3/1.

Referee: T Tully (Cork).

First Division

Having been toppled from the top spot after three games without a win, Galway United will look to get back on course for the top flight tonight when they start their second round of matches with the visit of Home Farm/Everton.

United won the first encounter 2-0 and it was the only game which Liam Brien felt his side genuinely deserved to lose.

The hosts are boosted by the return from suspension of Luther Watson. He is likely to start while Home Farm are hoping that Val Keenan will be fit enough to start for them. Otherwise both sides will be much as they were for their games last weekend.

The other First Division game involves St Francis and Monaghan United (kick-off 7.30), the first game played under lights at the Dubliners' ground at Baldonnel. The plan over the coming weeks is to play their home games on alternate weeks to St Patrick's Athletic's matches in the hope of attracting the west Dublin floating vote.