Sunday's Previews

FAI Cup: Quarter-finals

Cobh Ramblers v Waterford United (St Colman's Park, 3.0)

Recent form points to an away win in this all-First Division encounter. Ramblers lie three places from the bottom of the table and are without a win in eight games, while Paul Power's Waterford have cruised into third place with an unbeaten run of seven matches.

Power, though, is cautious. "We may have beaten them four times in five games this season, but that goes out the window in a cup tie," he said.

Willie Byrne and Paul Coughlan return from suspension for Ramblers, but midfielder Robert Dunne is out with an ankle injury.

Paul Scully (ankle) and striker Eric Bradley (hamstring) are out for Waterford while defender David Breen is a doubt with flu.

Referee: J Breen (Dublin).

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

Kilkenny City v Bohemians (Buckley Park, 3.0)

With his side already resigned to relegation, Kilkenny manager Joe McGrath has stressed the importance of this tie. "Losing really isn't an option," said McGrath. "If we do (lose) it's a long wait for next season in the First Division."

"It's a big game for us but a cup final for Kilkenny," agrees Bohemians manager, Roddy Collins. "We're on a hiding to nothing and must guard against complacency as they've given us a couple of tough games recently."

Collins reshuffles his midfield and strikeforce in the absence of the suspended Kevin Hunt and Alex Nesovic. Liam O'Brien, Dave Morrison and Jimmy Fullam are in contention to start in the middle with Trevor Molloy joining Glen Crowe in attack. Kilkenny have a full squad to choose from.

Referee: H Byrne (Dublin).

Betting: Home: 9/2; Draw: 3/1; Away: 4/9.

National League: Premier Division

Bray Wanderers v Finn Harps (Carlisle Grounds, 3.0)

The depth of Bray's squad will come into play as manager Pat Devlin rejigs his side in the absence of suspended trio Eddie Gormley, Matt Britton and Stephen Fox.

"Years ago losing three key players would have been a catastrophe, but we've a big squad now and it's not such a problem," he said. Stephen Gifford is the obvious replacement for Britton at right back, with many variables available further up the field.

Three points behind UCD in the play-off place, manager Jonathan Speak will be looking for a favour from neighbours Derry City who play the students tomorrow.

Alan Dodd, on loan to Finn Harps from Bray, is ineligible. There is also a slight injury doubt over Neil Lloyd who suffered a knock to his head in training during the week. Tom Mohan has recovered from a dead leg.

Last two seasons: 1999/2000: Did not meet; 2000/2001: Finn Harps 1 Bray Wanderers 0.

Current league form: Bray Wanderers: DLWLW; Finn Harps

Leading league scorers: Bray Wanderers: Tresson (10); Finn Harps: S Bradley (four).

Referee: J O'Neill (Waterford).

Betting: Home: 8/13; Draw: 1/4; Away: 4/1.

Derry City v UCD (Brandywell, 3.0)

Derry, still harbouring ambitions of a place in Europe, face a UCD side battling to steer clear of the relegation zone.

Derry are without defender Darren Kelly, who is away with the Northern Ireland under21s. Teenager Gary Ramsey continues in goal for John Connolly (fractured cheekbone) while Gary Beckett is gone for the season, following surgery to his groin injury.

With just one win in 13 games, UCD are without Eamon McLoughlin who is suspended while Clive Delaney is struggling with a knee injury. Kevin Grogan may also be unavailable. On a positive note, Brian Mooney, out for six months with a shoulder injury, may come into contention.

Last two seasons: 1999/2000: Derry City 0 UCD 2, UCD 1 Derry City 0, Derry City 2 UCD 0; 2000/2001: UCD 1 Derry City 0.

Current league form: Derry City: WDLDW; UCD: LWLLL.

Leading league scorer: Derry City: Doherty (six); UCD: Grogan and McDonnell (four each).

Referee: P Whelan (Dublin).

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