National League Previews

Bohemians v Longford Town (7.45)

The news that Mark Rutherford, a key contributor to Bohemians's success since his return from the Irish League, is to have a knee will come as a major blow to the champions. Pete Mahon looks set to start with Dave Morrison and Simon Webb again occupying the wide midfield positions although how Kevin Hunt, back after a three- match suspension, will be accommodated, is a somewhat tougher to call.

Longford, meanwhile, continue to have problems at the back with injuries but Wes Byrne, though, returned to action at the weekend and Stephen Kenny will be hoping that the defender's recovery continues sufficiently well for him to figure again this evening.

Last season: Longford 1 Bohemians 6, Bohemians 1 Longford 0, Longford 1 Bohemians 3.

League form: Bohemians: WLWLD; Longford: LWDLD.

Leading scorers: Bohemians: Crowe (six), Rutherford and Morrison (three apiece); Longford: Lavine and Kirby (three apiece).

Betting: Home: 4/11, Draw: 11/4, Away: 7/1.

Referee: P McKeon (Dublin).

Galway United v Derry City (7.45)

A big game for both of these sides with Alan Murphy the main concern for the hosts. Dave Connell's options are at least broadened by the arrival of Mark Herrick, though, and it is possible that the former Cork City man will be thrown straight in this evening. Derry City will be at full strength and Darren Kelly will start although there is a growing feeling that should Carlisle increase their £100,000 bid for the defender then he will be off to join Roddy Collins.

Last season: City 0 United 1, United 1 City 0, City 0 United 1.

League form: United: LDWLL; City: WLWDD.

Leading scorers: United: Murphy (two); City: T McCallion, Coyle and Hughes (two apiece).

Betting: Home: 13/8, Draw: 9/4, Away: 5/4.

Referee: A Kelly (Cork).

Monaghan Utd v Bray (7.45)

The problems continue for Bobby Browne who has yet to select from a full squad since starting off what was always going to be a difficult season in the premier division. Tonight the former Shelbourne man is without John Carroll (hamstring), Nicky McCarville (thigh) and Eddie Meier (ankle).

Bray, meanwhile, have doubts over John Walsh (thigh) and Mick Doohan (flu). Paul Keegan, on the other hand, should be at the thick of things again after having provided the spark required to get Bray going over the coming weeks.

Last season: Did not meet.

League form: United: LLLLD; Wanderers: LLLWW.

Leading scorers: United: Vaughan (two); Wanderers: Byrne (five).

Betting: Home: 7/2, Draw: 9/4, Away: 4/6.

Referee: I Stokes (Dublin).

UCD v Cork City (7.45)

The students will be without John Martin (broken finger) and Richie Purdy (calf strain) as they were last week and so Paul Doolin will be selecting from the same squad. Likewise, Liam Murphy may well have the same panel to choose from although Declan Daly did pick up a knock in the Rovers game and is doubtful. Colin Patrick O'Brien is almost certain to start this time after scoring in each of the club's last three games, two of them as substitute.

Last season: City 2 UCD 1, UCD 0 City 0, City 2 UCD 2.

League form: UCD: DWLLD; City: LWWWW.

Leading scorers: UCD: McAuley, R Martin and C Martyn (two apiece); City: Cahill and Colin P O'Brien (three apiece).

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

Referee: D McKeon (Dublin).