National League Previews

Shelbourne v St Patrick's Athletic (7.35) (Net 2: 7.30)

With the visitors having managed four draws in their last six outings and the home side bettering that record by one, Paddy Power's 12 to 5 against either side taking all three points from this evening's televised game looks attractive.

Pat Dolan's side, though, come into the match with their confidence boosted slightly by last week's 1-0 defeat of Derry, while for Dermot Keely's team, there will be some frustration that neither the home tie against Longford nor the trip to Ballybofey yielded a victory.

The hosts have problems up front this evening. Stephen Geoghegan has been ruled out by an ankle problem while Richie Foran has been struggling with a foot injury for over a week. Keely admits that he may have to "patch up" the younger man and hope for the best. Owen Heary is still doubtful with a hamstring problem, so Jonathan Prizeman will almost certainly retain the right back position.

Remarkably, given the problems they have had since the summer, St Patrick's have a full squad to choose from, but Dolan may well opt to stick with the side that delivered last week's win.

Paul Osam seems set to keep Robbie McGuinness out, while Alan McNevin will hope he impressed sufficiently to retain his starting spot.

Last two seasons - 1999/00: St Patrick's 1 Shelbourne 1, Shelbourne 1 St Patrick's 0, St Patrick's 1 Shelbourne 2. 2000/01: St Patrick's 0 Shelbourne 2.

Recent league form - Shelbourne: DDWDD. St Patrick's: WDDDW.

Leading scorers - Shelbourne: Foran (six). St Patrick's: Kelly (six).

Betting: Home: 8-11. Draw: 12-5. Away: 3-1. Referee: A O'Regan (Cork).

Galway United v Bray Wanderers (7.45)

Having beaten Wanderers at the Carlisle Grounds at the start of September, everybody in the Galway camp will be hopeful that they can repeat the trick. Of course, nobody at Terryland will need telling that it doesn't always work out that way.

United's difficulty since the relatively steady flow of points first dried up a few weeks ago has once again been the lack of goals. With just two in their last five outings it was inevitable that they would slip back towards the relegation zone.

Manager Don O'Riordan is hopeful Stephen Grant will play a part in ending the goal drought, with the former Shamrock Rovers and Stockport County man reportedly doing well alongside Eric Lavine in his first two outings.

The pair will play together again this evening, but there are doubts about Colin Fortune, who suffered a bad knock to his ankle last week and faces a fitness test. Tom Burke did enough on his debut last week to retain his place in central defence, while Tom Silke plays his last game before a two-match ban.

Bray, meanwhile, are close to full strength, although the one confirmed absentee, Jason Byrne, will be a considerable loss given that he has started every game of the campaign and is his side's top scorer.

Matt Britton (hamstring) is slightly doubtful too, but Pat Devlin has Barry O'Connor and Eddie Gormley available again.

Last two seasons - 1999/00: Did not meet. 2000/01 - Bray 0 Galway 1.

Recent league form - Galway: LLLLW. Bray: L WDDW.

Leading scorers - Galway: Lavine (nine). Bray: Byrne (five).

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

Referee: H Byrne (Dublin).

Betting courtesy of Paddy Power