FAI National League Previews

Premier Division (7.45)

Shamrock Rovers v St Patrick's Athletic

Hardly a banker for the league leaders - they lost on their last visit here - but on current form Liam Buckley's side should take at least the point that they require to ensure that the destiny of the title is in their own hands when they travel to Bray next weekend.

"That would be the very least we'd be looking for," said Buckley. "But we'll go there and try to win, the way we try to win every game."

Buckley's selection options have improved since last week's vital win over Cork. Club captain Eddie Gormley has come through two reserve team matches and will probably return to the side at the expense of Thomas Morgan. Ian Gilzean and Willie Burke are still likely to sidelined with Jeff Clarke and Martin Reilly retaining their places in the starting line-up.

For Rovers there is only really pride to play for in this, their last home game at Tolka Park, but manager Mick Byrne insisted: "We won't want them to come over to our place and win the championship."

Tony Cousins and Brendan Markey remain Rovers's injury main concerns and so Gareth O'Connor will start up front again where he will be partnered by Jason Sherlock.

Last two seasons: 1997/98: Rovers 0 St Patrick's 1, St Patrick's 2 Rovers 0, Rovers 0 St Patrick's 1; 98/99: Rovers 2 St Patrick's 1, St Patrick's 3 Rovers 0..

Recent league form: Rovers: LDDLL; St Patrick's: DDWWW.

Leading scorers: Rovers: Sherlock (eight), St Patrick's: Molloy (16).

Betting: Home: 7/4, Draw: 9/4, Away: 5/4.

Referee: A O'Regan (Cork).

Bohemians v Waterford United

Waterford might need the points more than the Dubliners, but Bohemians's manager, Roddy Collins, will be hoping that his players can maintain the sort of form that, in recent weeks, has taken them to the brink of safety.

Neither side will be much changed for this game with Graham Lawlor expected to figure for Bohemians but Shaun Maher (suspended), Brian Mooney and Derek Swan (both injured) are unlikely to play.

United, with four wins and two draws from their last seven outings will be unchanged from the side that beat Dundalk last weekend.

Last two seasons: 1997/98: did not meet; 98/99: Bohemians 0 Waterford 1, Waterford 0 Bohemians 0.

Recent league form: Bohemians: DDWWW, Waterford: WDWWW.

Leading scorers: Bohemians: Swan (11), Waterford: Gannon (four).

Betting: Home: 5/4, Draw: 9/4, Away: 7/4.

Referee: P Whelan (Dublin).

Bray Wanderers v Sligo Rovers

The managers have only their longer-term injury problems to worry about (well, those and the drop, of course) with Bray boss Pat Devlin without Alan Smith who picked up a knock in the cup game against Shelbourne that now threatens to keep him out of the final, and Sligo boss Nicky Reid having to cope without either himself or Padraig Moran.

Up front, though, the Englishman is virtually spoilt for choice with Glen Shannon coming back into the reckoning alongside Marcus Hallows, Johnny Hoecks and Donogh Oates and at the back there is a boost too with Wesley Charles, back from suspension, "virtually certain to start again" according to Reid.

Last two seasons: 1997/98: did not meet; 98/99: Bray 1 Sligo 1, Sligo 0 Bray 0.

Recent league form: Bray: DWWLW, Sligo: LWLLW.

Leading scorers: Bray: Byrne (five), Sligo: Hallows (eight).

Betting: Home: 6/5, Draw: 12/5, Away: 7/4.

Referee: T Tully (Cork).

First Division

Tuesday night's win over St Francis has put Galway United back in pole position to claim the second guaranteed ticket out of the First Division but that could all change this evening when Cobh go to Terryland for what will be the host club's biggest league game of the season.

In tonight's other First Division matches, St Francis are at home to Athlone Town and Longford Town host Drogheda United, who are already promoted.

Betting courtesy of Paddy Power.