National league

Bray Wanderers v Longford Town (7.45) - The central defensive crisis continues at Longford and there is talk of the club signing Sean Riordan from Kilkenny City. In the meantime Stuart Byrne will continue to deputise at the back while Niall Byrne will retain his place in attack.

Wanderers will have John Walsh in goal again as Eddie Van Boxtel is ruled out by a knee injury. Eddie Gormley (calf) and Paul Keegan (groin) are both carrying knocks but are expected to play.

Last two seasons: 1999/00: Wanderers 1 Longford 0, Longford 2 Wanderers 2, Wanderers 1 Longford 1, Longford 2 Wanderers 4; 00/01: Longford 0 Wanderers 1.

Recent league form: Wanderers: WDDWD; Longford: WDLLL.

Leading scorers: Wanderers: Tresson (seven); Longford: Kelly (five).

Betting: Home: 4/6, Draw: 5/2, Away: 100/30.

Referee: H Byrne (Dublin).

Galway United v Cork City (7.45) - The hosts could do with putting last week's cup exit behind them with a good win this evening but their cause is not helped by the likely absence of Stephen Grant (concussion) and Scott Morgan (groin strain).

City are without the suspended Greg O'Halloran but there is good news too for Derek Mountfield with Declan Daly and Niall Horgan both returning from injury ahead of what is a crucial weekend for the southerners. Stephen Napier is likely to return to left back.

Last two seasons: 1999/00: United 1 City 4, City 3 United 0, United 0 City 2; 00/01: City 2 United 0.

Recent league form: United: LDWWL; City: DLDWD.

Leading scorers: United: Lavine (nine); City: Morley (six).

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

Referee: J Feighery (Dublin).