Shelbourne have not let go of their title just yet

National League / Premier Division: Though loath to even consider the notion publicly, Shelbourne manager Pat Fenlon must be…

National League / Premier Division: Though loath to even consider the notion publicly, Shelbourne manager Pat Fenlon must be privately nurturing a glimmer of hope that his side's title hasn't quite gone away just yet.

Friday's 1-0 win over bottom-of-the-table Finn Harps was the champions' eighth victory in nine games. Joint-leaders Derry and Cork losing at home means Shelbourne are now six points behind with four games (Cork have five) to play.

When you consider Cork have to come to Tolka Park before facing Derry at home, it's not beyond the bounds of possibility that a three-in-a-row could materialize yet for Shelbourne.

Colin Hawkins returns to the centre of Shelbourne's defence in what is their only likely change.

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Bray remain without Jody Lynch. David Tyrrell, on loan from Shelbourne, is ineligible.

Derry striker Gary Beckett is expected to be fit for their trip to Belfield. UCD have right back Alan Mahon returning from suspension, but are forced into a change up front as Robbie Martin suffered concussion in Friday's 3-1 defeat to Bohemians.

Cork are without their top scorer John O'Flynn, who stretched his groin on Friday, and is likely to be out for another week. Otherwise they have a full squad going to Dalymount Park to play Bohemians this afternoon.

Bohemians welcome back player/manager Gareth Farrelly and Mark O'Brien following suspension, but wait on Tony Grant, Stephen Ward and Stephen Rice, who all picked up knocks in Friday's win at UCD.