Sligo can gain more ground

League of Ireland Previews:With their momentum restored by a couple of decent wins, Sligo Rovers travel to Turner's Cross this evening in the hope of leapfrogging Cork City and moving into fifth place in the Premier Division table.

The visitors are close to full strength with just Tommy Arcaba (elbow) ruled out and may fancy their chances a little more after seeing the extent of their opponents' problems.

Joe Gamble, Darren Murphy (both ankle) and Seán Kelly (suspension) are all ruled out, while John O'Flynn (hamstring), Billy Woods (calf) and Darragh Ryan (abdominal muscle) face late tests ahead of the televised game.

"It's another game where we need to pick up the three points in order to maintain the pressure at the top of the table," says Cork skipper Dan Murray. "But Sligo are a well-organised side. They beat us convincingly in the Showgrounds earlier in the season and they've just come off the back of a great win against Shamrock Rovers, so no doubt they'll have plenty of confidence."

With Longford having won both of their most recent outings, Waterford could do with picking up their points for the first time in nearly a month when they travel to Terryland Park to play Galway United in tonight's other top-flight game. Waterford manager Gareth Cronin is boosted by the return of a string of players, including Robbie Hedderman, Shane Harte and Pat Flynn as well as by the inclusion of the newly re-signed Dave Mulcahy.

"This is probably the most important game of the season for us," says Cronin. "Galway got a decent point against Derry and Tony (Cousins) has strengthened his squad so it has the makings of a fascinating game. We have to get something from the match to keep ourselves in contention to escape the drop so I expect it to be an intense encounter."

Galway add Greg O'Halloran to the squad, while the club's other new signing, John Fitzgerald, is expected to start alongside Wes Charles in central defence. Stephen O'Flynn and John Russell have a chance of featuring after coming on against Sunderland.