National League Previews

Saturday

FINN HARPS v DROGHEDA UNITED

After the latest reappraisal of United's position, manager Martin Lawlor reckons his side need "at least" six points from their next three outings if they are to have any chance of overhauling UCD and earning a lifeline via the play-offs.

That looks to be a tall order even before you consider that the three games consist of this visit to Ballybofey, the midweek trip to Shamrock Rovers and next weekend's visit to United Park of St Patrick's Athletic.

Add to that the fact that James Impey and Rod de Khors (both injured) as well as Martin Beggs and John Reid (both suspended) are all out and things are looking pretty grim for United just now. Andy Ramage is back from injury for this evening, however, and Brian Irwin and Alan Murphy are likely to go into the team.

Harps, meanwhile, have their sights firmly fixed on a spot in Europe and, other than Jonathon Speak, who will be out of plaster on Monday and hopes to be back within a couple of weeks, everybody is available to Charlie McGeever.

Last two seasons: 1996/97: Did not meet; 97/98: Harps 2 Drogheda 0, Drogheda 0 Harps 2. Recent league form: Harps: LLWDW; Drogheda: LLWDL. Leading scorers: Harps: Speak (eight), Mulligan (five); Drogheda: N Reid (three). Betting: Home: 4 to 9, Draw: 5 to 2, Away: 13 to 2. Referee: J Feighery (Dublin).

SLIGO ROVERS v BOHEMIANS

The top flight's two form teams come up against each other harbouring ambitions, like Harps, of doing enough over the coming weeks to grab a place in European competition.

Rovers are likely to stick with much the same team that earned them the win over UCD a couple of weeks ago, but the visitors must make more changes as a result of a number of injuries.

Peter Hanrahan is the only confirmed casualty for this evening. Derek Swan faces a late fitness test.

Last two seasons: 1996/97: Bohemians 0 Sligo 2, Sligo 2 Bohemians 1, Bohemians 0 Sligo 0; 97/98: Sligo 2 Bohemians 2, Bohemians 1 Sligo 1.

Recent league form: Sligo: WWDDW; Bohemians: WDWWD.

Leading scorers: Sligo: Ogden, Jones, Moran and Hallows (five apiece); Bohemians: Lawlor (seven).

Betting: Home: 7 to 4, Draw: 7 to 4, Away: 7 to 4. Referee: P McKeon (Dublin).

Sunday

CORK CITY v DUNDALK (2.0)

Ian Ferguson is likely to return to Dundalk which, given the Lillywhites' abysmal strike rate over the past six weeks, can only be good news. David Crawley, however, is suspended for a game which the visitors need to win if they are to start looking like a threat to the other would-be Euro contestants.

Dave Barry has the same squad as he brought to Derry and doesn't expect to make too many changes in the wake of a performance with which he was rightly pleased. Jason Kabia might just sneak in ahead of Noel Hartigan, but the chances are that the City boss will opt to stick with the winning combination.

Last two seasons: 1996/97: Dundalk 0 Cork 1, Cork 0 Dundalk 0, Dundalk 0 Cork 4; 97/98: Cork 3 Dundalk 0, Dundalk 1 Kilkenny 0.

Recent league form: Cork: DDDDL; Dundalk: DWLLD.

Leading scorers: Cork: O'Brien (seven), Kabia and Cahill (five apiece); Dundalk: Byrne and Melvin (five apiece).

Betting: Home: 4 to 6, Draw: 9 to 4, Away: 7 to 2. Referee: J McDermott (Dublin).

UCD v SHAMROCK ROVERS (3.15)

Ciaran Kavanagh is still recovering from the head wound sustained in last weekend's original cup tie with Home Farm Everton and is rated as unlikely. But the students are otherwise in good shape even if they are still without Jason Sherlock.

Rovers have a couple of problems, meanwhile, with Sean Francis (hamstring) and Tommy Dunne (Achilles tendon) both expected to move out while Paul Whelan should overcome an Achilles tendon strain to play. Sean Murray is likely to start again while Paul Crowley come into the panel.

Last two seasons: 1996/97: Rovers 1 UCD 1, UCD 1 Rovers 0, Rovers 0 UCD 0; 97/98: UCD 0 Rovers 3, Rovers 2 UCD 0.

Recent league form: UCD: LDDDL; Rovers: DWWLL.

Leading scorers: UCD: Sherlock (four); Cousins (11); Rovers: Betting: Home: 7 to 4, Draw: 7 to 4, Away: 7 to 4. Referee: T Tully (Cork).

Betting courtesy of Paddy Power