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Today

Finn Harps v Galway United (5.0)

These two sides, who have recently slipped back after hinting at digging their way out of trouble, come up against each other in what promises to be an edgy encounter at Finn Park. "We've stopped leaking so many goals but we've stopped scoring them too, so we're back to where we were . . . looking for a big striker," said Finn Harps' manager Gavin Dykes.

The problems up front may be exacerbated by the absence of leading scorer James Mulligan who is "doubtful" with a hamstring injury while Johnny Kenny's ankle injury is another cause of concern. Don Tierney's flu, though, should be a thing of the past.

This is the start of a crucial couple of weeks for Galway with this afternoon's match being followed by an FAI Cup tie against St Patrick's Athletic and another six-pointer in the league - the visit of Sligo.

Scott Morgan should be back today after a tooth abscess kept him out of the trip to Derry. Darragh Sheridan returns from suspension but Ollie Keogh (strained tendon) and Billy Clery (shoulder) are out and very doubtful respectively.

Last two seasons: 1998/99: Did not meet; 1999/00: Galway United 1 Finn Harps 3.

Recent league form: Finn Harps: D D D D D; Galway United: W D W L L.

Leading scorers: Finn Harps: Mulligan (seven); Galway United: Keogh and Clery (four each).

Betting: Home: 11/10, Draw: 11/5, Away: 2/1.

Referee: E Barr (Dublin).

Shelbourne v Waterford (3.15)

With the league leaders generally failing to overrun any of the weaker teams there is a lingering suspicion that one of them might actually put one over on them by ending their unbeaten run.

It would be easier to imagine Waterford doing it today had the visitors not beaten St Patrick's Athletic 3-1 on Monday and had Dermot Keely's side not failed so comprehensively to break down a determined Drogheda the day before.

However, with Waterford's decent defensive record the Shelbourne manager will be glad to see the return of Stephen Geoghegan up front. Jon Powell should be available again after a month's loan at Drogheda and Carl Van der Velden returns after suspension but Geoghegan's is likely to be the only change.

Waterford, meanwhile, have Derek McGrath back from injury and the former Bohemians midfielder is likely to start. Dominic Iorfa and Karl Gannon will probably have to sit another one out despite both having recovered from knee ligament injuries.

Manager Mike Flanagan said he might have been tempted to throw them back in but for the performance of Brendan Markey last week.

"I bought him to score goals and now that he's got going I'm hoping to see him score quite a few more," he said. Barry Wood, who contributed so much to last week's victory, will probably also retain his place.

Last two seasons: 1998/99: Shelbourne 1 Waterford United 0; Waterford United 0 Shelbourne 0; Shelbourne 0 Waterford United 2; 1999/00: Waterford United 0 Shelbourne 0.

Recent league form: Shelbourne: D W W W D; Waterford United: D D W D W.

Leading scorers: Shelbourne: S Geoghegan and Fenlon (four each); Waterford United: Grant (four).

Betting: Home: 2/5, Draw: 11/4, Away: 6/1.

Referee: J Feighery (Dublin).

Sligo Rovers v Derry City (3.15)

Since his arrival Sligo manager Tommy Cassidy has been encouraged a few times by the spirit his side has shown in defeat but he was less than impressed by the display against Finn Harps last weekend when Steve Birks's sending off probably cost them an extra two points.

"He let us down," says Cassidy "which is a pity because he had done pretty well over the previous few weeks."

Jim Sheridan is back from suspension and could go straight back into the side while Ian Rossiter almost certainly will after shaking off a bout of flu. Derry will go to the Showgrounds with a good deal more confidence following the return from injury of both Liam Coyle and Paul Hegarty against Galway last week but Sean Hargan and Eamonn Doherty are both suspended.

There are doubts about Peter Hutton and Paddy McLaughlin because of flu but manager Kevin Mahon is optimistic that both will be available.

Last two seasons: 1998/99: Sligo Rovers 3 Derry City 3; Derry City 2 Sligo Rovers 0; Sligo Rovers 2 Derry City 0; 1999/00: Derry City 1 Sligo Rovers 3.

Recent league form: Sligo Rovers: D L L L D; Derry City: L D W L W.

Leading scorers: Sligo Rovers: Moran (11); Derry City: McIvor, McCaul and Coyle (three each).

Betting: Home: 6/4, Draw: 11/5, Away: 6/4.

Referee: P Whelan (Dublin).

Betting courtesy of Paddy Power