National League Previews

The Most keenly contested First Division ever continues apace tonight with league leaders Galway United entertaining in-form Limerick FC in the pick of the four games.

Galway manager Don O'Riordan appreciates that his side are not playing quite as well as they were earlier in the season and has proffered that Limerick, unbeaten in seven games, will be favourites coming to Terryland Park tonight.

"We've won twice in eight matches so I suppose we're going through a sticky patch at the moment," said O'Riordan. "The important thing is that we haven't lost any ground and are still top of the table. I know that we can play better and we just need to get back into our stride."

Galway's promotion push received a major boost with yesterday's signing of Ricky O'Flaherty who comes straight into the panel tonight.

"Ricky has great experience and is a proven goal-scorer. He will be a major asset to our squad," said O'Riordan.

Central defender, Billy Clery, is back from suspension for Galway though John Brennan and Aidan Forde, who both retired early in Sunday's 2-2 draw at Athlone, are struggling for fitness.

Limerick are without the suspended Derek White, scorer of their first goal against erstwhile leaders Longford on Sunday. Sean Byrne should come into the centre of the field with Tommy Lynch dropping back into defence.

"It's a big week for us," said Limerick manager Dave Connell. "We've played Longford, who were the leaders, on Sunday, now we meet Galway, who've returned to the top, and then we play Drogheda who are up there too."

Rejuvenated Longford Town, who hope to bounce back from their first defeat in five games, expect another big crowd as they take on Monaghan United.

Manager Stephen Kenny is without injured central defender Gerard Thompson, so needs to reshuffle with Paul Flanagan, Enda Kenny and Evan Creedan coming into the squad. Monaghan hope to have key midfielder Karl Wilson back after he missed their home defeat to Kilkenny on Sunday. Kilkenny City's injury crisis appears to have returned with Brendan Rea, Richie Hale and Paul Devereaux out of their home game with bottom-of-the-table St Francis. Craig Maher is also struggling with a knee injury.

St Francis manager Jimmy Harte's problems are not helped by the fact he starts a four-week touch-line ban. Harte has signed Dave Hudson from Home Farm/Everton and Andy Ramage from Drogheda as he strives to end a run of seven games without a win.

Cobh Ramblers have goalkeeper Ian Bennis back in contention for a place following suspension for their visit to Whitehall to play Home Farm/Everton. Home Farm, who have lost their last three games, are without Thomas McGauley and Mark Benson while John Flanagan is doubtful with a knee injury.