NATIONAL LEAGUE PREVIEWS:IF SPORTING Fingal have aspirations of winning the league, a third chance to beat champions Bohemians this season can't be wasted at Dalymount Park tonight.
Prior to last Friday’s surprise, defeat to UCD at Morton Stadium, Sporting had lost just twice in the league this season. Both times to Bohemians.
“I still think they are the best team in the league,” said Sporting defender Kenny Browne of tonight’s opponents. “Even though they had a bit of a shaky start they are still there (near) the top. They are the team to beat.”
Stephen Paisley is set to return to league action after a lengthy lay off with a chest complaint, replacing the suspended Shaun Maher alongside Browne in central defence. Gary O’Neill may also come back into the side up front, pending a fitness test.
Bohemians remain without wide midfielder Anthony Murphy and defender Steven Gray due to Achilles injuries. Top scorer Jason Byrne, winger Killian Brennan and defender Jason McGuinness are also struggling for fitness.
Pending international clearance, St Patrick’s new signing, ex-Grimsby Town striker Danny North, should be added to their squad for their home clash with full-strength Galway United. North comes in to replace Alex Williams, whose club contract has been cancelled by mutual consent.
Goalkeeper Dan Connor is to join English League Two side Hereford United on a two-year deal.
With Damian Lynch and Shane Guthrie both suspended, Neil Harney and Gareth Coughlan injured, manger Pete Mahon has called up Thomas Crawley.
Robbie Martin, Jamie Harris and Darragh McNamara remain out for Drogheda, who host UCD, while midfielder Mick Daly is a doubt due to a hamstring injury.
Winger Jamie Duffy completes a two-match suspension, though the experienced trio of defender Joe Kendrick and midfielders Gareth O’Connor and Eric McGill return from bans.
Third-placed Shamrock Rovers wait on striker Dessie Baker, who is troubled by an Achilles injury, ahead of their trip to Sligo Rovers.
Suspension keeps midfielder Gary McCabe out of the Sligo team along with striker Matthew Blinkhorn, who has a back problem. Alan Keane returns from suspension tonight.
Tonight's fixtures(7.45 unless stated) Premier Division: Bohemians v Sporting Fingal, Drogheda United v UCD St Patrick's, Athletic v Galway United, Sligo Rovers v Shamrock Rovers. First Division:Limerick v Waterford United, Mervue United v Derry City, Monaghan United v Salthill Devon (8pm), Shelbourne v Athlone Town (8pm), Wexford Youths v Finn Harps (8pm).
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