Bohemians v Shamrock Rovers, (Dalymount Park, 7.45)
Nothing like a win over arch-rivals Shamrock Rovers to bring the title a little more into focus, though in true derby tradition Bohemians know they can take nothing for granted.
"We've won, drawn and lost against Rovers in our three games this season so there is little between the teams," said Bohemians manager Stephen Kenny.
Bohemians are unlikely to make any changes. Central defender Paul McNally (groin) remains out, though right-back Damien Lynch is over a hamstring strain and comes back into the panel. Simon Webb is expected to be fit to start.
Tony Grant, starting a game for the first time in five weeks following a dead leg, partners Trevor Molloy in Rovers' attack in the absence of leading scorer Noel Hunt, who is suspended.
Last two seasons: 2001/02: Bohemians 0 Shamrock Rovers 1, Shamrock Rovers 1 Bohemians 0, Bohemians 1 Shamrock Rovers 1; 2002/03: Bohemians 3 Shamrock Rovers 2, Shamrock Rovers 1 Bohemians 1.
League form: Bohemians: LWWDW; Shamrock Rovers: WDDWL.
Leading league scorers: Bohemians: Crowe (15); Shamrock Rovers: Hunt (nine).
Referee: J. O'Neill (Waterford)
Betting: Home: 8/11; Draw: 9/4; Away: 10/3.
St Patrick's Athletic v Bray Wanderers, (Richmond Park, 7.45)
"IT'S a big gap to make up in seven games," admits St Patrick's manager Pat Dolan of the nine-point disparity his side needs to bridge in the hope of playing in Europe next season. "We've been up and down and haven't been as brilliant as we were last season."
Willie Burke, Darragh Maguire and Liam Kelly are still injured, while Paul Osam (knee) and Martin Russell (groin) are doubtful.
Bray manager Pat Devlin has accepted his side is in a tight spot, three points adrift at the foot of the table with seven games to play. "It looks very bad for us now," agreed Devlin. "We do have enough games to get ourselves out of trouble, but it's going to be an uphill battle now.
"We've got Jason (Byrne) back playing well and hopefully Jody Lynch will be back this week."
Last two seasons: 2001/02: St Patrick's Athletic 2 Bray Wanderers 0, Bray Wanderers 0 St Patrick's Athletic 2, St Patrick's Athletic 2 Bray Wanderers 1; 2002/03: St Patrick's Athletic 1 Bray Wanderers 2, Bray Wanderers 0 St Patrick's Athletic 0.
League form:St Patrick's Athletic: WDDLL; Bray Wanderers: LDLWL.
Leading league scorers:St Patrick's Athletic: McCarthy (five); Bray Wanderers: Byrne (10).
Referee: P McKeon (Dublin)
Betting: Home:4/7; Draw: 5/2; Away: 4/1.
UCD v Shelbourne, (Belfield, 7.45)
Patrick Jeenings, son and namesake of the legendary Northern Ireland international, makes a rare appearance for UCD in place of regular goalkeeper Barry Ryan.
Ryan, who has saved penalties in College's last two games, is suspended along with manager Paul Doolin, who starts a two-match touchline ban, after both were reported following their controversial defeat in Derry last month.
Otherwise, UCD can be relatively happy with their recent resurgence that's lifted them off the bottom of the table. "It's all slipped into gear over the last few weeks," said midfielder Tony McDonnell. "We were paying the price for errors. Thankfully that has stopped."
Second-placed Shelbourne have defender Tony McCarthy fully fit so he vies with Jim Gannon and Kevin Doherty for the central defensive pairing.
Last two seasons:2001/02: Shelbourne 0 UCD 1, UCD 2 Shelbourne 3, Shelbourne 0 UCD 0; 2002/03: UCD 1 Shelbourne 3, Shelbourne 2 UCD 1.
League form: UCD: LDWLW; Shelbourne: WWLWW.
Leading league scorers:UCD: Doyle (six); Shelbourne: Geoghegan (seven).
Referee: H. Byrne (Dublin).
Betting: Home: 5/2; Draw: 9/4; Away: 10/11.
Betting courtesy Paddy Power.