Preview: FAI National League

Premier Division

Galway United v St Patrick's Ath (Terryland Park, 7.45)

UCD winning in Derry last week was a good thing for Galway, according to their manager.

"Had UCD lost we would have been nine points ahead of them, now we know we still have a lot of work to do," explained Don O'Riordan, who believes the fear factor brings out the best in his team.

Galway welcome back midfielder Brendan O'Connor from illness for their first home game in six weeks.

St Patrick's - disappointed to be out of the FAI Cup - must console themselves with their excellent league form, which has seen them lose just once in 10. A win tonight would consolidate their second place.

"We shouldn't have lost to Longford in the cup and I told the players they deserved better," said manager Pat Dolan who reports a fully fit squad for the trip to Galway.

Last two seasons - 1999/2000: Galway United 1 St Patrick's Athletic 2, St Patrick's Athletic 3 Galway United 0, Galway United 1 St Patrick's Athletic 0; 2000/2001: Galway United 1 St Patrick's Athletic 1, St Patrick's Athletic 3 Galway United 0.

Current league form - Galway United: WDDWL; St Patrick's Atheltic: DWWDW.

Leading league scorers -Galway United: Lavine (9); St Patrick's Athletic: L Kelly (10).

Referee: P Whelan (Dublin).

Betting: Home: 3/1; Draw: 12/5; Away: 8/11.