Sunday

Derry City v Cork City (Brandywell, 12.0)

Having taken just one point from their opening four games, Cork City have done little wrong since, with five wins and a draw from the subsequent six outings.

"We can only be very pleased with recent results," said manager Liam Murphy. "Sixteen points from 18 is excellent and long may it continue."

Though Pat Morley and Kelvin Flangan retired early from last week's home win over Monaghan, Murphy is has announced an unchanged side. That means Colin Patrick O'Brien must again content himself with a place on the bench, despite impressing when scoring for the Irish under-21s in a practice game with the seniors on Wednesday.

Inconsistent Derry, unbeaten at the Brandywell this season, wait on Tommy McCallion who has had 'flu this week, while Darren McCready requires a late fitness test on a knee injury.

Last season: Cork City 0 Derry City 2, Derry City 1 Cork City 1, Cork City 1 Derry City 0.

Current league form: Derry City: WDDWL; Cork City: WWWDW.

Leading league scorers: Derry City: Coyle, Hughes T. McCallion (two each); Cork City: CP O'Brien (three).

Referee: J. Feighery (Dublin).

Betting: Home: 6/4; Draw: 2/1; Away: 7/4.

Longford Town v St. Patrick's Athletic (Flancare Park, 6.0)

"To be honest, I'm generally pleased with the way we have been playing," says Longford manager Stephen Kenny, impervious to a run that's brought just one win in five games. "What has annoyed me is that we have been giving away a lot of silly goals from basic errors.

"We have also managed just one clean sheet all season which is not very pleasing. St Pat's have conceded just seven goals this season and that's something we must try to emulate. Don't get me wrong, we are playing well, better in fact than we were this time last year. We are taking the game to teams. What's going wrong is that we are missing chances."

New signing striker Fergal Coleman could be set for his debut. With Alan Murphy and Alan Reynolds still suspended, Vinny Perth continues at right back while Stuart Holt again deputises in midfield.

St Pat's again wait on top scorer Mbabazi, who continues to be troubled by a groin strain. Robbie Griffin (ankle) and Paul Osam (knee) are also concerns for manager Pat Dolan, but, like Mbabazi, both should be fit to play.

Last season: St. Patrick's Athletic 2 Longford Town 4, Longford Town 0 St Patrick's Athletic 3, St. Patrick's Athletic 2 Longford Town 1.

Current league form: Longford Town: DLDDD; St. Patrick's Athletic: WWDWW.

Leading league scorers: Longford Town: Lavine (four); St. Patrick's Athletic: Mbabazi (four).

Referee: R. O'Hanlon (Waterford).

Betting: Home: 3/1; Draw: 2/1; Away: 5/6.

Monaghan United v Dundalk (Century Homes Park, 3.0)

Despite playing what are perceived as lucky opponents, Monaghan United's hopes for a first win of the season are hampered by a seemingly never-ending list of injuries.

Definitely out are Derek McGrath (hamstring), Eddie Meier (ankle), John Carroll (hamstring) and Brian Mooney ('flu). Nicholas McCarville, Darren McKenna, top scorer Trevor Vaughan and Mick Scully have knocks while Tommy Byrne is unavailable.

Dundalk manager Martin Murray has his own share of injury difficulties, with James Keddy (ankle) joining John Whyte on the treatment table along with top scorer Martin Reilly, who has a hamstring strain.

Last season (First Division): Dundalk 2 Monaghan United 0, Monaghan United 1 Dundalk 1, Dundalk 1 Monaghan United 0, Monaghan United 4 Dundalk 0.

Current league form: Monaghan United: LLDDL; Dundalk: DWLLW.

Leading league scorers: Monaghan United: Vaughan (three); Dundalk: Robinson (three).

Referee: D. McKeon (Dublin).

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