Like old times at the RSC

National League Premier Division: The memories will come flooding back for Waterford United manager Jimmy McGeough tonight when Shamrock Rovers pay their first visit of the season to the RSC, rekindling the keen rivalry between the clubs in McGeough's playing days of the 1960s and early 1970s when Waterford won six titles over an eight-year period.

"It reminds me of Celtic and Rangers because of the colours," said McGeough.

"They play in green and white hoops while we're in blue. I guess that makes us the bad guys!

"The games between Rovers and Waterford have always thrown up epic encounters and it's another big one tonight. I see this as probably our biggest game of the season so far."

Striker Gary O'Neill returns to the side having missed last week's 1-1 draw at Cork City but defender David Breen is suspended while midfielder Wayne Fitzgerald remains out with a groin injury.

Rovers forward Trevor Molloy won't play after being left with a badly bruised left ankle, following a tackle from Longford Town's Avery John last week. Tony Grant returns to the starting line-up to partner Liam Kelly in attack.

"We were unlucky against Bohs and we were the better side against Drogheda and St Pat's, so I'm not too worried," says Rovers manager Liam Buckley.

The expected large crowd at the RSC should be more than matched at Tolka Park for the first meeting of championship contenders, Shelbourne and Bohemians.

Already five points ahead of the champions, Shelbourne manager Pat Fenlon is content at the reversal of fortunes from last season.

"A victory for us would really put the pressure on Bohs, leaving them in the position we were in last year in having to play catch-up," said Fenlon.

Along with their indifferent start to the season, Bohemians have injuries to contend with ahead of tonight's derby.

Winger Barry Ryan, who suffered a knock in training, and Irish international striker Glen Crowe, who has been unable to train for much of this week due to an ankle injury, will require late fitness tests.

Robbie Doyle and Paul Keegan stand by.

St Patrick's Athletic expect veteran midfielder Paul Osam to shake off a slight knee inflammation ahead of the visit of Longford Town to Richmond Park to give manager Eamonn Collins a full squad.

Seven points and nine goals from their last three games, in which they've passed the ball well, have revitalised the Inchicore club who could go third with a win. Longford, without a win in five games, will give late fitness tests to defender Tom Silke (ankle) and winger Sean Prunty (foot).

Drogheda will be almost unrecognisable from the side they've put out in recent weeks as manager Harry McCue welcomes back six first-teamers from injury for the visit of UCD to 0₂ Park.

Pat Scully, Steven Gray, Aidan Lynch, Declan O'Brien, Mark Dempsey and Brian Kelly all return, though winger Shaun Gallagher remains sidelined with an Achilles injury.

Bottom of the table, pointless and with just a goal in 540 minutes of football, UCD continue without midfielder Alan Cawley (ankle).

TONIGHT'S FIXTURES: Premier Division: Drogheda Utd v UCD (8.0); St Patrick's Ath v Longford Town (7.45); Shelbourne v Bohemians (7.45); Waterford Utd v Shamrock Rovers (7.30).