National League

Bohemians v Finn Harps (Dalymount Park, 7.45)

"We're fit and raring to go," says Bohemians manager Roddy Collins as he strives to continue his side's rise up the table, despite last week's cup defeat to Shelbourne.

"I was upset for the players last week, but I would have been more disappointed had we lost a league game. Our objective is still to get into Europe and there is only one way to do it now."

Shaun Maher is back in contention for a place in central defence for Bohemians after he missed out last week with a shin injury. Finn Harps are without Pascal Vaudequin who starts a two match suspension while John Gerard McGettigan is injured.

Last two seasons: 1997/98: Bohemians 4 Finn Harps 2, Finn Harps 3 Bohemians 2, Bohemians 1 Finn Harps 0. 1998/99: Bohemians 2 Finn Harps 3, Finn Harps 1 Bohemians 0.

Recent league form: Bohemians: WDWWD; Finn Harps: DLDDD.

Leading league scorers: Bohemians: Swan (eight); Finn Harps: Mulligan (eight).

Betting: Home: 4/5; Draw: 9/4; Away: 3/1.

Referee: H Byrne (Dublin).

Bray Wanderers v Cork City (Carlisle Grounds, 7.45)

"There's no need to panic yet," says Cork City manager Dave Barry after last week's 0-0 draw with Finn Harps in the cup meant his treble chasing side have now gone four games without a win.

"Our attitude and commitment is spot on. We're just anxious to get the three points tonight," added Barry.

Gareth Cronin picked up a groin strain in Tuesday's representative match against the Republic of Ireland "B" team and is doubtful. Bray have Ally Smyth and Anthony "Bo" McKeever back from suspension, though John Ryan (groin) is still struggling.

Manager Pat Devlin believes his team are capable of beating any side in the league at the moment and knows that there is precious little between these sides which were separated only by a penalty when they last met at the Carlisle Grounds in the opening match of the season.

Last two seasons: 1997/98: Did not meet. 1998/99: Bray Wanderers 0 Cork City 1, Cork City 1 Bray Wanderers 0.

Recent league form: Bray Wanderers: LWDDD; Cork City: WWDLD.

Leading league scorers: Bray Wanderers: Byrne (five); Cork City: Cahill (six).

Betting: Home: 100/30; Draw: 9/4; Away: 8/11.

Referee: J Stacey (Athlone).

Shelbourne v Shamrock Rvs (Tolka Park, Live on Network 2, 7.35)

Shelbourne captain, Pat Scully, is in a race against time as he tries to shake off a leg injury in the hope of leading his side out in front of the television cameras but Greg Costello is definitely out.

Manager Dermot Keely is hopeful that Stephen Geoghegan, slowing recapturing his goalscoring form, is over a calf strain to lead Shelbourne's attack.

Rovers' assistant manager Frank O'Neill is likely to be in charge tonight as manager Mick Byrne is laid up with flu. "Games between ourselves and Shels are always exciting with plenty of goals," said O'Neill. "We don't look on it as a chance for revenge for the cup, we just want to win to consolidate our third place."

Rovers effectively have a full panel to pick from save for Marc Kenny who continues his six match suspension.

Last two seasons: 1997/8: Shelbourne 1 Shamrock Rovers 1, Shamrock Rovers 0 Shelbourne 2, Shelbourne 2 Shamrock Rovers 1. 1998/99: Shelbourne 2 Shamrock Rovers 2, Shamrock Rovers 2 Shelbourne 1.

Recent league form: Shelbourne: WLLLD; Shamrock Rovers: WWDLD.

Leading league scorers: Shelbourne: Sheridan (nine); Shamrock Rovers: Cousins and Sherlock (six each).

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

Referee: T Tully (Cork).

Waterford Utd v UCD (Regional Sports Centre, 7.45)

What odds a scoreless draw at the Regional Sports Centre tonight as these sides strive to end a combined total of 12 matches without a goal.

Waterford, in fairness, were deprived a perfectly good one last week by referee Pat Whelan which would have beaten Shamrock Rovers, but manager Mike Flanagan was nonetheless most upbeat after a point that lifted his side off the bottom of the table.

Waterford, without a goal in seven games, should be unchanged while UCD, whose drought stretches to five matches, wait on Mick O'Byrne but Robert Dunne returns from suspension.

Last two seasons: 1997/98: Did not meet. 1998/99: Waterford United 1 UCD 0, UCD 1 Waterford United 1.

Recent league form: Waterford United: DLLLD; UCD: DDLLD.

Leading league scorers: Waterford United: Dully, Harkin and Wood (all one each); UCD: O'Byrne (five).

Betting: Home: 7/4; Draw: 12/5; Away: 6/5.

Referee: P Whelan (Dublin).

First Division

Drogheda United can open up a six points lead at the top of the table if they can beat struggling Longford Town at United Park.

"Psychologically, that would be an important gap with the sides immediately behind us not playing until tomorrow," said Drogheda manager Martin Lawlor who has a fully fit squad to select from.

Longford, now without a win in eight games, are not so lucky with John Vaughan (back), Shay Zellor (calf) and Paul Flanagan (knee) all our while Enda Kenny is doubtful with a knee injury.

"We're looking forward to going to the leaders," said Longford manager Stephen Kenny. "If we can get something it would be a bonus with three home games to come in the following week."

Athlone have a major doubt over Alan Oliver (foot) as they try to end a run of seven matches without a win at home to bottom of the table St Francis.

It's 20 matches since St Francis won with manager Jimmy Harte describing last week's 4-0 rout at Monaghan their worst performance of the season.

Dave Gallagher is set to replace Josef Advic in goal while new signing, 23-year-old Dutch striker, Gerth Kollimoe, makes his debut. Ciaran Duffy (back), Jonathan Treacy (knee) and John Scott (back) are all out injured while Darren Sheridan is suspended.

Matches: Athlone Town v St. Francis, Drogheda United v Longford Town.