National League Previews

Saturday

Derry City v Bray Wanderers - 7.30

City's form isn't quite what it was a few weeks ago and Kevin Mahon will hope that the return of Liam Coyle, out for the past couple of games due to injury and flu, will help to get his side moving again. Goalkeeper Stewart Payne, on loan from Boston Bulldogs, may make his debut but Eddie McCallion is suspended and Darren McCaul (ankle) is doubtful. Bray are waiting to see if Eddie Gormley and Barry O'Connor are fit enough to play, but Eddie Van Boxtel, Jason Byrne and Colm Tresson are all available again after recovering from injury.

Last two seasons - 1999/00: Did not meet. 00/01: Bray 1 Derry 0.

Recent league form - Derry: LWDLL. Bray: LWLWD.

Leading scorers - Derry: Beckett, McCaul, McLaughlin and Coyle (two). Bray: Byrne (five).

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

Referee: H Byrne (Dublin).

Sunday

Cork City v Finn Harps - 2.0

So far, the tendency of other teams to drop points has been kind to Cork City but Derek Mountfield knows that his side have to start scoring and winning games consistently if they are to mount a sustained challenge. On the plus side for this week's match, Colin O'Brien is back in the frame after recovering from an ankle strain but Noel Mooney (ribs) and Patsy Freyne (back) are both still laid up.

By comparison, Harps' problems are more pressing and the latest blow is the loss of Kemo Adviu due to the financial problems at the club. Fergal Harkin (ankle) and Shane Bradley (foot) are out and Kevin McHugh (back) is doubtful.

Last two seasons - 1999/00: Finn Harps 1 Cork 2; Cork 2 Finn Harps 0; Finn Harps 1 Cork 1. 00/01: Finn Harps 0 Cork 1.

Recent league form - Cork: WLWLD. Finn Harps: LLWLW.

Leading scorers - Cork: Morley (three). Finn Harps: Nesovic (five).

Betting - Home: 4/11, Draw: 11/4, Away: 15/2.

Referee - J O'Neill (Waterford).

Shamrock Rovers v Kilkenny - 2.0

A few weeks ago, the rumour was that Damien Richardson was on the verge of being discarded at Rovers, but these days confidence within the team seems high and suddenly the goals are flowing.

Jason Colwell is available again after missing the League Cup defeat through injury and the Rovers boss is expected to start with the same team that beat Bohemians. Kilkenny, meanwhile, have Greg Costello back from suspension and Sean Murray, who has been sidelined for some time with a shoulder injury, is fit enough for a place on the bench.

Last two seasons - 1999/00: Did not meet. 00/01: Kilkenny 1 Rovers 1.

Recent league form - Rovers: DWDWW. Kilknenny: DLLLL.

Leading scorers - Rovers: Francis (five). Kilkenny: Byrne, Mulcahy, Murray and Kabia (one apiece).

Betting - Home: 4/11. Draw: 11/4. Away: 15/2.

Referee - D Hancock (Dublin).

UCD v St Patrick's Athletic - 3.15

Matters continue to improve at Belfield Park, where last week's defeat of Kilkenny moved UCD back to joint fourth position and well within striking distance of the leaders. Joint top scorer Tony McDonnell misses tomorrow's game due to a dead leg while John Martin (knee) is doubtful, but Clive Delaney returns from suspension and Aidan Lynch confirmed his return to fitness by coming through last week's game without any difficulties.

St Patrick's are unbeaten in their last six league matches, and while they've drawn three of their last four games, the confidence is clearly back in the side. Liam Kelly (hip) and Paul Byrne (hamstring) should be the only absentees from Pat Dolan's squad for the short trip across town.

Last two seasons - 1999/00: UCD 2 St Patrick's 2; St Patrick's 0 UCD 0; UCD 2 St Patrick's 1. 00/01: St Patrick's 1 UCD 1.

Recent league form - UCD: LLDWW. St Patrick's: WDWDD.

Leading scorers - UCD: McDonnell and Grogan (three apiece). St Patrick's: Kelly (six).

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

Referee - J McDermott (Dublin).