National League Previews

Saturday

Dundalk v Longford Town (Oriel Park, 7.45)

Defeat is not an option ahead of the biggest game of the season so far for both sides as they jockey to steer clear of the bottom three. Dundalk defender Donal Broughan remains suspended, but Aaron Callaghan and Chris Lawless return from their bans. Ex-Bohemians striker Alex Nesovic makes his debut.

Longford are not so fortunate as key players Eric Lavine, their leading scorer, and midfielder, Vinny Perth, are suspended. Left-back and captain Wes Byrne is fit again following a back strain. Stuart Byrne is likely to push back up into midfield with Eric Smith coming into central defence.

Last two seasons: 2000/2001: Did not meet. 2001/2002: Longford Town 2 Dundalk 2.

Current league form: Dundalk: L D L L W; Longford Town: L L D W D.

Leading league scorers: Dundalk: Robinson (four); Longford Town: Lavine (five).

Referee: I. Stokes (Dublin).

Betting: Home: 11/10, Draw: 2/1, Away: 9/4.

Sunday

Bray Wanderers v St Patrick's Athletic (Carlisle Grounds, 3.15)

Bray are without the suspended Maurice Farrell while Jason Byrne (hip) and Davy Williamson (thigh) are doubtful. Phil Keogh comes in for Farrell at left back with Stephen Fox and Barry O'Connor vying to replace Byrne in attack if he fails a fitness test.

St Patrick's, hoping to stem a run of three defeats, wait on Colm Foley (ankle), Paul Osam (knee) and Martin Russell (groin) but all three hope to be fit to start.

Last two seasons: 2000/2001: Bray Wanderers 2 St Patrick's Athetlic 2, St Patrick's Athletic 1 Bray Wanderers 1, Bray Wanderers 4 St Patrick's Athletic 1; 2001/2001: St Patrick's Athletic 2 Bray Wanderers 0.

Current league form: Bray Wanderers: L W D D L; St Patrick's Athletic: W W L L L.

Leading league scorers: Bray Wanderers: Byrne (five); St. Patrick's Athletic: Mbabazi (seven).

Referee: P. McKeon (Dublin).

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

Monaghan United v Bohemians (Century Homes Park, 3.0)

Bohemians manager Pat Mahon is wondering if his side used up all its luck in winning the double last season. "Nothing is going for us," said Mahon. "We bounced off Rovers last week and lost and that's not the first time its happened this season." Right-back Brian Shelley is out for a couple of months following knee ligament damage suffered last week. Tony O'Connor moves to right back with Avery John returning to central defence. Simon Webb starts back training today.

Rock bottom Monaghan are set to give debuts to striker Jonathan King and left-back Declan McDonnell signed this week from Ashtown Villa and Cherry Orchard respectively.

Last two seasons: 2000/2001: Did not meet. 2001/2002: Bohemians 3 Monaghan United 0.

Current league form: Monaghan United: L L L L L; Bohemians: L D D W L .

Leading league scorers: Monaghan United: Vaughan (four); Bohemians: Crowe (11).

Referee: D. McKeon (Dublin).

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