National League: Preview

Saturday (7.30) Derry City v Bohemians

While the Dublin club is almost over the injury problems which dogged it early in the season, City now have a string of their own, with key players very doubtful for a game which the northerners could well do with winning.

Kevin Mahon will definitely be without Sean Hargan, who picked up a knee problem in training earlier this week, while Darren Kelly is reckoned to be very doubtful due to a foot injury. Bill Powell is out (thigh strain), while Liam Coyle (thigh) and Gary Beckett (elbow) face fitness tests. James Quigley and Joe Harkin, of course, remain on the long-term injury list.

This leaves Mahon with few options, but Darren McCreadie, Paddy McLaughlin and Darren McCaul are amongst those likely to come into the starting line-up.

By comparison, it's quiet in the Bohemians camp with Maurice O'Driscoll (shoulder) the only one left on the Dalymount injury list. He is still some way off being fit, but with Avery John available again after being away on international duty, Roddy Collins has an otherwise full squad to choose from as he heads north in search of the club's third consecutive win at the Brandywell.

Last two seasons: 1998/99: City 0 Bohemians 2, City 0 Bohemians 1, Bohemians 0 City 1; 99/00: Bohemians 3 City 0.

Recent league form: City: LWLDL; Bohemians: WWLLW.

Leading scorers: City: Crowe (six); Bohemians: McIvor (three).

Betting: Home: 13/8, Draw: 9/4, Away: 11/8.

Referee: J Stacey (Athlone).