National League Previews

Premier Division

Shamrock Rvs v Waterford Utd (3.15)

After a few months of struggling with injuries things seem to be clearing up for Waterford which is just as well for the club's position looks fairly perilous at this stage.

Mike Flanagan still has a couple of problems with Alan Reynolds still a week or two away from completing his recovery from knee ligament damage while Jason Kabia (broken nose) and Barry Wood (hamstring) both picked up injuries last week in the draw with Bohemians that will keep them out this week. That means a vacancy up front which Mark Reid is likely to fill.

Rovers, meanwhile, will give late tests to Richie Purdy (knee), Jason Sherlock and Brian Morrisroe (both calf). Purdy is the most doubtful but Mick Byrne is optimistic that all three will make it which leaves him missing only Marc Kenny who is suspended.

Last two seasons: 1997/98: Did not meet; 98/ 99: Waterford 1 Rovers 1.

Recent league form: Rovers: DWWDL; Waterford: DLLLD.

Leading scorers: Rovers: Kenny (seven), Cousins and Sherlock (six apiece); Waterford: Dully, Wood and Gannon (two apiece).

Betting: Home: 4/6, Draw: 11/5, Away: 6/5.

Referee: P Whelan (Dublin).

First Division

While a couple of their promotion rivals attempt to move a step closer to the money spinning end of the cup, Drogheda will be hoping to edge a little closer to the top flight this weekend although it won't be easy against a Limerick side which is, once again, proving very difficult to beat.

Martin Lawlor has a full strength panel available for the first time in many months thanks to the return of Alan Murphy from suspension and the full-back is likely to be sent straight into action at Hogan Park this evening.

Limerick, meanwhile, are without the suspended Tommy Lynch while Declan Casey will be out for up to eight weeks after a cartilage operation and John Whyte will have to have a late fitness test on an ankle problem.

Jason Byrne, however, is available to play and if the striker can reproduce the sort of form he used to show for St Patrick's a couple of seasons back then he should prove a major addition to Dave Connell's side, whose main problem has, for the past couple of seasons, been getting the ball into the opposing side's goal.