National League: Previews

SATURDAY

Finn Harps v Cork City, Ballybofey, 7.15 - James Marrow is set for his first start in attack for Harps following his arrival from nonleague football in England. Neil Lloyd and Alan Dodd are also in contention to feature.

Managerless Cork have their problems. Midfielder Steve Gaughan has followed sacked boss Derek Mountfield back to England. Mark Herrick is suspended as is Declan Daly, though he's out anyway with a stomach muscle injury. Patsy Freyne remains sidelined with a knee injury while defenders Derek Coughlan (foot) and Fergus O'Donoghue (facial injury) are also out.

"It's been a very difficult week for the club and it was a God send we didn't have a match last weekend as we'd a lot of work to do," said caretaker boss Liam Murphy.

Last two seasons: 1999/2000: Finn Harps 1 Cork City 2, Cork City 2 Finn Harps 0, Finn Harps 1 Cork City 1; 2000/2001: Finn Harps 0 Cork City 1, Cork City 1 Finn Harps 0.

Current league form: Finn Harps: DLLLD; Cork City: DWDLL. Leading league scorers: Finn Harps: S. Bradley (three); Cork City: Morley (six).

Referee: J Feighery (Dublin).

Betting: Home: 11/4; Draw: 9/4; Away: 5/6.

Kilkenny City v Shamrock Rovers, Buckley Park, 7.30 - Though they have struggled in their two meetings with Kilkenny this season, this is a must-win game for Shamrock Rovers.

Star striker Carlos Rocha is Kilkenny's main absentee through suspension while defenders Richie Purdy (toe) and Dave Mulcahy (knee) are out along with Derek McGrath (knee) and Ray Carolan who is abroad. American teenager Brian Jackson is set for his debut in midfield.

With Derek Tracey (calf) and Marc Kenny (hamstring) still out, Rovers manager Damien Richardson is unlikely to make any changes from the side that won 3-0 against Finn Harps last week.

Last two seasons: 1999/2000: Did not meet; 2000/2001: Kilkenny City 1 Shamrock Rovers 1, Shamrock Rovers 2 Kilkenny City 1.

Current league form: Kilkenny City: LDLDL; Shamrock Rovers: LDLWL.

Leading league scorer: Carter, McAreavey, McGrath, Mulcahy and Rocha (one each); Shamrock Rovers: Francis (eight).

Referee: A Buttimer (Cork).

Betting: Home: 3/1; Draw: 5/2; Away: 8/11.

Longford Town v Shelbourne, Flancare Park, 7.30 - Longford have been a bit bemused this week as things have gone a bit flat after the hype of last weekend's FAI Cup game with St Patrick's Athletic.

"It's surprising," said manager Stephen Kenny, "considering we're playing the champions and league leaders. But that's cup football." Kenny waits on striker Keith O'Connor who has been unable to train due to flu, while captain Wes Byrne is still out with a leg injury. Shay Zellor stands by to partner Niall Byrne up front with Colm Notaro set to come in on the left flank.

Richie Baker (ankle) is again Shelbourne's main concern. Jim Crawford is definitely out with a back strain so Davy Byrne, or possibly Tony Sheridan, come into the reckoning for a midfield place.

Last two seasons: 1999/2000: Did not meet; 2000/20001: Longford Town 0 Shelbourne 1, Shelbourne 1 Longford Town 1.

Current league form: Longford Town: LLLWD; Shelbourne: WWDLW. Leading league scorers: Longford Town: Kelly (five); Shelbourne: Foran (10).

Referee: J Stacey (Athlone).

Betting: Home: 5/2; Draw: 9/4; Away: 10/11.