National League

Premier Division

Drogheda United v Bohemians (United Park, 7.45)

Drogheda manager Martin Lawlor has told his side they must strive to attain consistency and they will be rewarded.

"We've got two results from our first three games which is pleasing with such a young side," said Lawlor, whose team shouldn't lack confidence having already knocked Bohemians out of the League Cup. Bohemians manager Roddy Collins draws nothing from that result with the view that that competition is the least of his priorities.

"It's taking time for us to build the side to the way I want it," said Collins. "It won't happen overnight, but I'm happy with the way things have gone so far."

Collins hopes to complete the signing of Trinidad and Tobago defender Avery John from Boston Bulldogs early next week after deciding not to sign American Mark Bennett who was on trial after failing to get a work permit at Leyton Orient.

His injury plagued central defender, Maurice O'Driscoll, certainly isn't happy about the start to his season as he's out for two months after an operation to insert two pins in his shoulder.

Goalkeeper Wayne Russell is fit despite being substituted in the defeat on penalties to Drogheda while Graham Lawlor comes back into the squad after a groin injury.

Midfielder Darren O'Keeffe, out with a calf strain, is Drogheda's main problem, while Fergal Coleman will need a late fitness test on a back injury. Derek Thornton is set to make his return to league action.

Last season: Did not meet

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

Referee: P Whelan (Dublin).

Galway United v Cork City (Terryland Park, 7.45)

Mike Keane is Galway's only absentee as he recovers from a leg injury. Goalkeeper Eddie Hickey returns after being rested for the League Cup defeat to Athlone.

With all due respect to Drogheda, this is Galway's first big home game back in the top flight and they are determined to get something from it. "Playing the likes of Cork is what being in the Premier Division is all about," said Galway manager Don O'Roirdan. "We've done well in our two games so far despite only drawing them and are naturally keen to get our first win against one of the big contenders in front of our own fans."

Cork should be back to something resembling their former selves after resting several first teamers in their League Cup humbling by non-league Rockmount.

Ollie Cahill hasn't trained since the Gotheneburg game due to a hamstring injury, but manager Dave Barry is confident he'll be fit. Also doubtful are Gareth Cronin and Mark Herrick who have only been able to do light training over the last week or so due to knee injuries.

"It's disappointing to be out of two cups already, but the league is the bread and butter and we can concentrate on that now without any distractions," said Barry.

Last season: Did not meet.

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

Referee: G Perry (Dublin).

St. Patrick's Athletic v Finn Harps (Richmond Park, 7.45)

"We're not even looking at the league table at this stage of the season," says St Patrick's Athletic manager, Liam Buckley. "All I will say is that I'm reasonably confident that ourselves and Harps will be in the top half of the table in the not too distant future."

With just one point between them from a possible 12, the ascent should begin for one of them tonight.

The champions have Paul Osam back in training following an achilles injury though he's some way away short of playing. Willie Burke (achilles) and Shane Harte (ankle) are also out while Colin Hawkins is away with the Irish under-21s. Harps continue without Tom Mohan who remains troubled by a thigh strain. Manager Charlie McGeever has released former Manchester United trainee Jason Lydiate who has returned to England and was last night hoping to bring another midfielder across the Irish Sea.

"We both need to get some points on board," said McGeever. "It's an important game and I'm sure there will be no shortage of effort.

"We wanted a good start and haven't got it. The only good thing is that Cork and St. Patrick's haven't pulled away like they did last year."

Last season: Finn Harps 2 St. Patrick's Athletic 1, St. Patrick's Athletic 2 Finn Harps 2, Finn Harps 0 St. Patrick's Athletic 3.

Betting: Home: 4/7, Draw: 12/5, Away:9/2.

Referee: P McKeon (Dublin).

Shelbourne v UCD (Tolka Park, 7.45)

Undoubtedly match of the night with arguably the two main contenders, outside of last season's top two, meeting in what should be an intriguing game.

"I have always admired UCD," says Shelbourne manager, Dermot Keely, a very interested spectator as the Students hammered St Francis 5-0 last Sunday. "They have a great work ethic and have now added a touch of class." A clear reference to UCD's summer singings of Brian Mooney and Peter Hanrahan.

Keely isn't entirely satisfied with his team's start to the season. "We've played well in patches, but haven't played well for a whole game yet," he says. "But when we've played well, we've been very good."

UCD have so far lived up to their potential as dark horses and are relishing a shot at Shelbourne tonight.

"We've scored nine goals so far and are playing well," said manager Theo Dunne. "We'll know a thing or two more about ourselves after tonight's game. We're certainly strong enough in most departments to be up to them."

Captain Pat Scully returns to Shelbourne's central defence with Tommy Byrne likely to be have a place on the bench.

UCD wait on Hanrahan, who scored his first goals since his return to the club in style with a hat-trick at St Francis, before going off with a groin strain. Ken Kilmurray, Hanrahan's scoring replacement, has had flu this week and is also struggling to be fit.

Last season: UCD 1 Shelbourne 1, Shelbourne 1 UCD 1, UCD 0 Shelbourne 1.

Betting: Home: 11/10, Draw: 9/4, Away: 2/1.

Referee: J Feighery (Dublin).

Waterford United v Sligo Rovers (Regional Sports Centre, 7.30)

After two bad league defeats, Waterford manager Mike Flanagan has to be looking at the visit of Sligo Rovers as the opportune moment for his side to kick-start their season.

"I know we haven't played well and we can do a lot better," said Flanagan. "The potential for us to improve is there and we've got to start getting points on board." Nigeria striker Dominic Iorfa is still away on business and Flanagan hopes to speak to the player to determine his future with Waterford this weekend.

Midfielder Alan Reynolds is out for up to six weeks after breaking his leg in a freak accident. Sean Riordan is still nursing a fractured foot while Brian Flood is also absent due to a knee ligament strain.

Sligo are definitely without central defender Jim Sheridan who has a hamstring injury while Wesley Charles and player/manager Jim McInally, who retired early with respective calf and achilles injuries during the League Cup defeat at home to Derry last week, are struggling to be fit.

Last season: Sligo Rovers 1 Waterford United 1, Waterford United 1 Sligo Rovers 1, Sligo Rovers 2 Waterford United 1.

Betting: Home: 13/8, Draw: 11/5, Away: 11/8.

Referee: A O'Regan (Cork).

First Division

Just the one game tonight with St Francis hoping to exorcise their defeat, to which they largely contributed, to UCD in the League Cup.

"You could say they taught us a lesson," said St. Francis's manager Jimmy Harte, not quite so tongue in cheek. First choice central defensive partnership Eddie Heavey and Ross McNally are still out for St. Francis with groin strains while goalkeper Cathal Warfield continues to struggle with a leg strain and Stuart Keegan (ankle) is also unlikely to play.

Home Farm gave a reasonable account of themselves against Shelbourne last week which pleased manager Mick Lawlor. However, their goalscorer in that 2-1 defeat, Richard Foran, is out with a broken thumb while John Costigan (ankle) remains unfit.