National League

Bohemians v St Patrick's Athletic (Dalymount, 7.45)

Both Clubs are expected to stick pretty much to the teams that played last time out for this Dublin derby, with the hosts possibly bringing Tony O'Connor into the panel and their visitors hoping to have Paul Osam available, despite a slight knee problem.

Last week's cup defeat ended Turlough O'Connor's hopes of winning any silverware this season, but at least his European ambitions have received something of a boost in recent weeks with 10 points out of a possible 12 lifting them back into reckoning for a place in the top four.

O'Connor has the same panel to choose from this week, plus Tony O'Connor. O'Connor played half of Monday night's reserve game against Shelbourne and has done some light running since, so may have proven himself to be sufficiently recovered from a thigh strain to play some part in the proceedings.

The Saints, meanwhile, must wait on Osam, who picked up a knock to the knee in Monday's replay win over Waterford. His chances are described as 50-50 by manager Pat Dolan whose side need to get back on track after a spell of three league games without a win.

"People are saying we're in trouble," says Dolan, "which is a tribute to their expectations for us, but we played well in two of those matches and were unfortunate with the results. "Obviously, we'd have preferred to take nine points from the games instead of two, but the league is won over 33 games and we're very happy with where we are at this stage."

Last two seasons: 1996/97: Bohemians 2 St Patrick's 1, St Patrick's 5 Bohemians 0, Bohemians 0 St Patrick's 1; 97/98: St Patrick's 0 Bohemians 0.

Recent league form: Bohemians: LWDWW; St Patrick's: WWDDL.

Leading scorers: Bohemians: Lawlor (six), Parkes (five); St Patrick's: Gilzean (seven), Molloy (six).

Betting: Home: 2/1, Draw: 7/4, Away: 6/4. Referee: J McDermott (Dublin).

Betting courtesy of Paddy Power.