National League Previews

Sunday

Derry City v Drogheda United

Drogheda's last win away from home was at the Brandywell back in September and anything short of a repeat of that upset tomorrow will mean United sliding a little closer to relegation.

Manager Eddie May has a full panel available although Dai Thomas and Christian Roberts have returned to Cardiff City and so there is a striker's position up for grabs between Mickey McCann, John Butler and Mark Byrne.

City have close to a full-strength squad also with only long-term absentees Shaun Gallagher and Joe Harkin missing. Sean Hargan returns from suspension.

Last two seasons: 1998/99: Did not meet; 99/ 00: City 0 United 2, United 1 City 2.

Recent league form: City: DDDDD; United: LDDLD.

Leading scorers: City: Coyle (six); United: Byrne (five).

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

Referee: P Whelan (Dublin).

Sligo Rovers v St Patrick's Athletic

Rovers manager Tommy Cassidy has already started planning for next season with the likes of Padraig Moran, Wesley Charles, Ian Rossiter and, most recently, Sean Flannery having committed themselves to the club for at least another year but, for now, Rovers are still deep in trouble near the foot of the table.

Cassidy has a full panel to choose from but the return of Flannery and Moran in recent weeks hasn't quite started the goals flowing. In fact, Rovers haven't scored in 11 and a half hours. The champions will probably have Eddie Gormley (achilles tendon) back but Colin Hawkins (torn cartilage) is probably out for the season. Barry Prenderville is still suffering with a back problem.

Last two seasons: 1998/99: St Patrick's 4 Rovers 1, Rovers 1 St Patrick's 4, St Patrick's 4 Rovers 0; 99/00: Rovers 0 St Patrick's 1, St Patrick's 3 Rovers 2.

Recent league form: Rovers: DLDLD; St Patrick's: WDLWD.

Leading scorers: Rovers: Moran (11); St Patrick's: Hallows (seven).

Betting: Home: 15/8, Draw: 9/4, Away: 6/5.

Referee: J McDermott (Dublin).

UCD v Finn Harps

European hopefuls UCD play a side determined to maintain their topflight status but Martin Moran's side have gone off the boil a little of late. Moran's striking options are limited by injuries to Mick O'Byrne (hamstring), Eoin Bennis (groin) and Alan McNally (flu) while Aidan Lynch is suspended. Harps manager Gavin Dykes insists there will be changes after the defeat by Galway in the cup when, he says, "some of my players surrendered" so Fergal Harkin's return is assured while young Ger McGrenaghan could also get a start in midfield and Brian McKenna's place in goal could well go to Gavin Cullen.

Last two seasons: 1998/99: Harps 0 UCD 0, UCD 3 Harps 0, Harps 1 UCD 0; 99/00: UCD 1 Harps 0, Harps 0 UCD 0.

Recent league form: UCD: DWWLD; Harps: WDDLL.

Leading scorers: UCD: Martyn (eight); Harps: Mulligan (nine).

Betting: Home: 4/6, Draw: 12/5, Away: 7/2.

Referee: J O'Neill (Waterford).

Betting courtesy of Paddy Power