National League Previews

Sunday (3.15)

Derry City v Sligo Rovers

Last week's game might as well have been played in the middle of a gale on a North Sea oil rig if the reports of the conditions are to be believed but at least it produced six goals for the dedicated souls who braved the storm on the night.

Marcus Hallows continued his return to form by scoring one of the home side's three and while, defensively, Nicky Reid remains unhappy with some of his side's performances he has no complaint about their ability to score.

New Derry City boss Kevin Mahon is keeping his cards close to his chest ahead of the game. Paul Hegarty, who had to limp out last Saturday with a hamstring strain, is doubtful as is, though less so, Paul Curran.

Last two seasons: 1997/98: Sligo 3 Derry 0, Derry 0 Sligo 0, Sligo 1 Derry 1; 98/99: Sligo 3 Derry 3.

Recent league form: Derry: WLDWD; Sligo: DLLDD.

Leading scorers: Derry: L Coyle (four), Hargan and McHugh (three apiece); Sligo: Shannon (five), Hallows (three).

Betting: Home: Evens, Draw: 9/4, Away: 9/4.

Referee: P Whelan (Dublin).

Finn Harps v Bray Wanderers

Charlie McGeever is the first to admit that his side need to overcome the problems they have having on the scoring front if they are to make any real progress in the championship race and the could be good news for Kevin McHugh.

Bray are still likely to be without Bo McKeever again while there is no real movement on the long term injury front with a few players, including Kieran O'Brien still some way from playing.

Last two seasons: 1997/98: Did not meet 98/99: Have not met.

Recent league form: Harps: WLLDW; Bray: DLWDL.

Leading scorers: Harps: Mulligan (five); Bray: Byrne (five).

Betting: Home: 10/11, Draw: 9/4, Away: 5/2. Referee: J McDermott (Dublin).

Shamrock Rovers v Cork City

The home side's problems have started to ease a little with Matt Britton returning from suspension and Jason Sherlock looking to be in good enough shape for a place on the bench this weekend.

Brendan Markey is also moving closer to full fitness after getting the go ahead to resume training on an injured knee.

Mick Byrne will look at his tactical options when the squad trains this morning and the main question seems to be whether Tony Cousins is partnered by Brian Morrisroe or Billy Woods up front or whether a 4-5-1 formation is the preferred option.

City, meanwhile, are considerably closer to full strength than they might have expected at this point with Derek Coughlan having been omitted from Ian Evans's Under-21 squad and Brian Barry Murphy, who was included, having been told that he can play for his club before leaving for Yugoslavia.

Gerald Dobbs is also pressing for a return to the starting line up after recovering from a shoulder injury and only John Caulfield, one of several players to be beaten to the Opel/Soccer Writers' Association Player Of The Month Award for October by Trevor Molloy, looks to be assured of one of the strikers' places.

Last two seasons: 1997/98: Rovers 1 Cork 3, Cork 2 Rovers 1, Rovers 2 Cork 2; 98/99: Cork 3 Rovers 1.

Recent league form: Rovers: WLWWL; Cork: WWLWW.

Leading scorers: Rovers: Cousins (four), Sherlock (two); Cork: Cahill (six), Flanagan (four).

Betting: Home: 5/2, Draw: 9/4, Away: 10/11.

Referee: G Perry (Dublin).

Bohemians v UCD

Derek Swan's ongoing groin injury remains the main problem (well that, and being bottom of the table) for Bohemians and it doesn't seem likely that there will be too many changes in the wake of last week's defeat which both managers seem to have felt was a little harsh on them.

On the brighter side for the Dalymount club Maurice O'Driscoll got through a full reserve game this week without any problems and should be in line for a first team run out.

Last two seasons: 1997/98: Bohemians 0 UCD 0, UCD 2 Bohemians 1, Bohemians 2 UCD 0; 98/99: UCD 2 Bohemians 0.

Recent league form: Bohemians: WWLLL; UCD: WLDLW.

Leading scorers: Bohemians: Swan (four), Lawlor (two); UCD: Bennis (four), O'Byrne (two).

Betting: Home: 7/8, Draw: 2/1, Away: 7/4. Referee: P McKeon (Dublin).