Premier Division
Bohemians v St Patrick's Ath, (Dalymount Park, live Network Two 7.35)
Bottom of the table Bohemians will hope to give their season a much needed lift in the most public way possible at Dalymount Park tonight when former World boxing champion, Steve Collins, brother of their team manager, Roddy, will add some over the top glitz when he leads the team out for their live televised encounter with champions St Patrick's Athletic.
Collins promises another "display of commitment" from his team to equal that shown in earning a 0-0 draw away to league leaders Cork City in Turner's Cross last Sunday.
Another new signing, believed to be former Athlone Town striker Ray Kelly from Manchester City, is expected to be completed in time for tonight's game.
Peter Hanrahan (back), Robbie Brunton (groin) and new signing Dean Martin (hamstring) are out. Collins, however, hopes that Graham Lawlor will be fit to resume his partnership in attack with Derek Swan who makes his 300th National League appearance.
Bohemians have a good record against St Patrick's and were the only side not to lose to them last season.
St Patrick's are boosted with the return of their captain, Eddie Gormley, following a three-match suspension and a successful appeal against a further four-match ban.
Last two season: 1997/98: St Patrick's Athletic 0 Bohemians 0, Bohemians 0 St Patrick's Athletic 0, St Patrick's Athletic 0 Bohemians 2; 1998/99: St Patrick's Athletic 3 Bohemians 0.
Recent league form: Bohemians: LWLLD; St Patrick's Athletic: WWWLW.
Leading scorers: Bohemians: Swan (four); St. Patrick's Athletic: Gilzean and Molloy (ten each).
Betting: Home 3-1, Draw 9-4, Away 4-5.
Referee: R. O'Hanlon (Waterford).
Waterford United v Sligo Rovers, (Regional Sports Centre, 7.45)
The fact that both managers agree that this is a real "sixpointer", even at this stage of the season, perhaps just about sums up the club's respective seasons so far.
Waterford have fallen away badly since caretaker manager Mike Flanagan came in and won his first two games. They've taken only two points from five matches since and scored just once.
"We should really have a couple more points for our efforts," said Flanagan. "The only thing that's helped us is that the sides below us have only got a little bit closer. But one result could change all that which makes tonight's game very important to us.
"We have to hope we can start scoring goals because we won't win games unless we do."
Waterford are without long term injuries John Frost (hernia) and Barry Wood (hamstring) while Joe Harkin (knee), Robbie Griffin (concussion) and Alan Reynolds (suspension) also miss tonight's game.
Sligo are scarcely much better off after being dealt a major blow mid-week when goalkeeper, Matt Boswell, broke his leg in training and is out for three months.
Nicky Brujos thus comes in for his first league game of the season.
Sligo are also without suspended pair Neil Ogden and Jim Sheridan so player/manager, Nicky Reid, is set to start with, possibly, Glen Shannon returning to partner Marcus Hallows in an attack that lacked a real cutting edge during last week's 1-0 home defeat to UCD.
Last two seasons: 1997/98: Did not meet; 98/99: Sligo Rovers 1 Waterford United 1.
Recent league form: Waterford United: LDDLL; Sligo Rovers: LWLWL.
Leading scorers: Waterford United: Dully and Wood (two each); Sligo Rovers: Hallows and Shannon (six each).
Betting: Home: 6-4, Draw: 15-8, Away: 7-4.
Referee: P. Whelan (Dublin).
First Division (7.30)
A big, and hopefully bright, night for Limerick FC who play their first match under their new floodlights against Kilkenny City at Hogan Park, Rathbane.
Manager Dave Connell believes it could be just the tonic his goal-shy team needs to get right back up into the promotion race. It's the middle of a three-match home run for Limerick with fellow contenders Drogheda United to come in a back match next Tuesday.
Connell's only concern is defender Derek Whyte who, although suffering with a deadleg, is expected to be fit to play.
Kilkenny City have been once more ravaged by injuries. Paul Cashin (hamstring), Michael Reddy (groin) Richie Hale (calf), Aidan Cooney (groin) and Gerry Goodwin (virus) are all out while Pierce Walsh and Trevor Vaughan are suspended.
Deposed leaders Longford Town will hope to get back to winning ways after two straight defeats when they meet Athlone Town at St Mel's Park.
With Vincent Perth back from suspension and goalkeeper, Stephen O'Brien, recovered from a thigh muscle strain, manager Stephen Kenny has a full strength side for the first time in five weeks.
