FAI national league previews

Saturday

Finn Harps v Derry City (7.15)

Having been saved from fielding just about every fit footballer in the Donegal area by the cancellation of the Kilkenny game last week, Gavin Dykes has close to a full squad to choose from. Ray Kenny is still struggling and will almost certainly miss out but Dykes has recovered from a groin strain and Tom Mohan and Jonathan Speak have returned to fitness too.

City will be without Liam Coyle who is suffering from a groin problem. Gary Beckett has a similar problem and needs surgery but is currently starting games and playing each time until he breaks down. He will almost certainly do the same this evening.

The better news for Kevin Mahon is that Darren McCaul and Brendan Devlin are close to full fitness again and one of them should replace Coyle tonight.

Last two seasons: 1999/00: Harps 1 City 1, City 2 Harps 0, Harps 1 City 2; 00/01: City 3 Harps 1.

Recent league form: Harps: LDLDD; City: LDLDD.

Leading scorers: Harps: Nesovic (six), J Kenny (three); City: Doherty and Coyle (three apiece).

Betting: Home: 100/30, Draw: 9/4, Away: 8/11.

Referee: J Stacey (Athlone).

Sunday

Bray Wanderers v Bohemians (3.15)

Bray wanderers have been on a strong run lately with three wins and five draws in their last eight outings, but Pat Devlin insists that they can do better - when they get their strongest team out. Jason Byrne, a casualty of the 3-0 win over Shelbourne, is the main source of concern, while Mick Doohan also faces a late fitness test. But John Walsh is likely to come back into the squad, although he may have to settle for a place on the bench after Eddie Van Boxtel's fine performance against UCD.

Bohemians will be glad to have finally gotten the repeatedly postponed game against Kilkenny out of the way and the important thing now will be to avoid suffering a similar fate to their main rivals out at the Carlisle Grounds. Darren O'Keeffe, who has a throat infection, is the only real worry for the visitors.

Last two seasons: 1999/00: Did not meet; 00/01: Bohemians 3 Wanderers 1.

Recent league form: Wanderers: WDWDD; Bohemians: WDDLW.

Leading scorers: Wanderers: Tresson (six); Bohemians: Crowe (13).

Betting: Home: 9/4, Draw: 9/4, Away: Evens.

Referee: J McDermott (Dublin).

Cork City v Kilkenny City (2.0)

An inability to score goals has been the main problem for the southerners, something Derek Mountfield attempted to address this week when he sought - but failed - to bring in another striker. He will hope that Pat Morley and whoever is given the job of partnering him up front can produce the goods.

Neale Hortgan looks set to miss the game with an ankle problem while Patsy Freyne and Noel Mooney are still short of match fitness after long spells out.

Kilkenny's only concern is over Warren Parkes who scored at Dalymount during the week but then had to come off with a twisted ankle.

Last two seasons: 1999/00: Did not meet; 00/01: Kilkenny 0 Cork 0.

Recent league form: Cork: WLDLD; Kilkenny: LLLLL.

Leading scorers: Cork: Morley (five); Kilkenny: Byrne, Mulcahy, Murray, Kabia, Carter and Parkes (one apiece).

Betting: Home 1/5, Draw 4/1, Away 10/1.

Referee: E Barr (Dublin).

St Patrick's Ath v Shamrock Rovers (3.15)

Both need to win if they are to keep in touch with the championship race and St Patrick's might just go into the game feeling the more confident after comfortably winning their last two games. Pat Dolan hopes to have everybody available for the game although he will have to wait until close to kick-off time before making final decisions on the fitness of Paul Byrne (calf), Paul Osam (groin) and Colm Foley (flu).

Rovers, meanwhile, are likely to stick with much the same team that drew against Galway United in Santry last week. One change will probably be forced on Damien Richardson, however, with Tony Cousins now suffering from a back injury he picked up last Sunday. In his place Sean Francis is expected to partner Tony grant up front.

Last two seasons: 1999/00: St Patrick's 1 Rovers 1, Rovers 2 St Patrick's 1, St Patrick's 0 Rovers 0; 00/01: Rovers 1 St Patrick's 2.

Recent league form: St Patrick's: DWLWW; Rovers: WLWDD.

Leading scorers: St Patrick's: Kelly (six); Rovers: Francis (five).

Betting: Home 10/11, Draw 9/4, Away 5/2.

Referee: H Byrne (Dublin).