National League: Previews

Sunday

Cork City v Finn Harps (2.0)

Mark Herrick is the major concern for City boss Dave Barry - the midfielder limped out of the defeat at Derry early with a hip injury sustained the previous week. Patsy Freyne will deputise while John Caulfield might also return if he passes a fitness test on his injured knee.

Elsehere there is likely to be much the same line-out as in Derry. Finn Harps, meanwhile, welcome back Pascal Vaudequin to their starting line-up. Gavin Dykes, who will have talks with club officials next week about his longer term future as Harps manager, will miss this match with a groin injury while Tom Mohan is still not fit to return.

Last two seasons: 1998/99: Cork 2 Harps 0, Harps 1 Cork 1, Cork 2 Harps 1; 99/00: Harps 1 Cork 2. Recent league form: City: DWWWL, Harps: LWWLW.

Leading scorers: Cork: Morley (nine), Harps: Mulligan (seven), Speak (three).

Betting: Home: 4/11, Draw: 13/2, Away: 3/1.

Referee: P Whelan (Dublin).

Derry City v St Pat's (3.15)

Taking the points against Cork was a welcome boost, admits Derry City boss Kevin Mahon. While Dave Barry saw the game as a bit of a lottery, Mahon feels that the win was probably deserved and that there were signs that his players are getting back on top of things after what had been a terribly poor run of form.

Bill Powell, a 20-year-old former Sheffield Wednesday striker has joined the club on a month's trial and may be involved tomorrow but if not then Gary Beckett will continue on up front where he has been lending some experience in the absence of Coyle.

For Liam Buckley there are still problems too although as usual they are at the back. Stephen McGuinness (knee), Paul Donnelly (ankle) and Paul Osam (achilles tendon) all face fitness tests ahead of the trip north while Colin Hawkins looks set to miss out again due to a rib injury.

Last two seasons: 1998/99: Derry City 0 St Patrick's 1, St Patrick's 1 Derry City 0, Derry City 0 St Patrick's 0; 99/00: St Patrick's 1 Derry City 2.

Recent league form: City: WLLLW, St Patrick's: DWWDW.

Betting: Home: 7/4, Draw: 2/1, Away: 11/8.

Referee: D Hancock (Dublin).

Shamrock Rvs v Drogheda (2.0)

Tony Cousins is the only doubt for the Dubliners with the 30-year-old striker continuing to have laser treatment on a knee injury. If he isn't fit Sean Francis will keep his spot with Graham Lawlor returning to the side after serving his one match suspension. Matt Britton will retain the left full-back's position despite being replaced by the club's top scorer, Richie Purdy, last week.

"We've gone off the boil a little over the last couple of weeks and it's important that we get back to winning," says manager Damien Richardson.

Drogheda United would love to end their slide but it will require a considerable improvement on their recent form. Fergal Coleman is available again after missing two games with an ankle injury but Martin Lawlor is still without Alan Murphy who is serving the second game of a two-match ban.

Last two seasons: 1998/99: Did not meet; 99/00: Drogheda United 0 Rovers 4.

Recent league form: Rovers: WLLDD, United: WLLLL.

Leading scorers: Rovers: Purdy (four), Woods (three); Drogheda United: O'Keeffe (two).

Betting: Home: 2/5, Draw: 11/4, Away: 13/2. Referee: H Byrne (Dublin).

Betting courtesy of Paddy Power.