National League Previews

Saturday

Longford Town v Bohemians

(Flancare Park, 7.30)

With Stephen Kenny seemingly set to be named Bohemians new manager today, Derek O'Neill is likely to take charge of Longford who put their eight-match unbeaten run on the line in this FAI Cup rehearsal. Vinny Perth comes into the centre of midfield as Alan Reynolds, who has a knee injury anyway, serves a suspension. Eric Lavine and Fergal Coleman are set to continue up front as Keith O'Connor (knee) is still out.

Despite Kenny's imminent arrival, Liam O'Brien is expected to take charge of Bohemians this match and hopes to have the league's topscorer Glen Crowe available again following a hamstring strain.

Defenders Simon Webb and Avery John may be set to feature again following injury, but Brian Shelley, Dave Hill and Mark Rutherford remain sidelined.

Goalkeeper Michael Demspey is fit to resume in goal following his knock last week. That's just as well as Wayne Russell is suspended.

Last two seasons: 2000/2001: Longford Town 1 Bohemians 6, Bohemians 1 Longford Town 0, Longford Town 1 Bohemians 3. 2001/2002: Bohemians 1 Longford Town 1.

Current league form: Longford Town: WDDWW; Bohemians: WLDDL.

Leading league scorers: Longford Town: Lavine (seven); Bohemians: Crowe (12).

Referee: J. O'Neill (Waterford) Betting: Home: 2/1; Draw: 2/1; Away: 5/4.

SUNDAY

Bray Wanderers v Monaghan United

(Carlisle Grounds, 3.15)

Monaghan manager Bobby Browne still clings to the forlorn hope that his side, bottom of the table with just eight points, can resurrect their season and survive relegation.

"We must keep our heads up," said Browne, whose side have won just once all season.

"We have to believe we can string three or four wins together and that would be the tonic to get us out of the situation we are in. If we don't believe we can do it we might as well pack up now and go home."

Browne's injury problem just won't go away; Robbie Brunton is the latest casualty with ankle ligament damage that will sideline him for over a month. With Derek Gill and John Carroll still out Mick Scully comes back into the side to partner Brendan Place in central defence.

Colm Tresson, hampered by a hamstring injury, is Bray's big doubt. Wes Charles, who missed the 3-0 win in Dundalk last week due to flu, should be available again. Topscorer Jason Byrne needs to prove his fitness following a groin strain that's kept him out of the last two games.

Last two seasons: 2000/2001: Did not meet; 2001/2002: Monaghan United 1 Bray Wanderers 1.

Current league form: Bray Wanderers: DLLLW; Monaghan United: LLDDL.

Leading league scorers: Bray Wanderers: Byrne (six); Monaghan United: Vaughan (five).

Referee: I. Stokes (Dublin).

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

Cork City v UCD

(Turner's Cross, 2.0)

A hat-trick of wins will see Cork make ground on the leaders. Anthony Buckley returns from suspension to bolster Liam Murphy's midfield though the Cork manager will have to rejig his defence as Declan Daly is out with a stomach muscle injury. Right-back Neal Horgan needs a late fitness test on an ankle injury but expects to be okay.

Having had the luxury of fielding the same side for their last eight league games, a suspension to captian Tony McDonnell disrupts UCD player/manager Paul Doolin's game plan.

Robert McAuley or Richie Purdy are in contention to start alongside Clive Delaney in the defence.

Last two seasons: 2000/2001: Cork City 2 UCD 1, UCD 0 Cork City 0, Cork City 2 UCD 2; 2001/2002: UCD 1 Cork City 1.

Current league form: Cork City: WWLWW; UCD: WWLLD.

Leading league scorers: Cork City: Cahill (six); UCD: R. Martin (seven).

Referee: D. Hancock (Dublin).

Betting: Home: 4/7; Draw: 9/4; Away: 9/2.