St Patrick's look for lift League of Ireland

Premier Division: Having been the most prolific side in the country over the opening weeks of the season St Patrick's Athletic have lost their scoring touch of late and go to Belfield this evening in search of the win and goals that would restore some momentum.

The prospect of gaining revenge for the midweek defeat by UCD in the League Cup will provide an additional incentive for John McDonnell's men. The students are unbeaten in seven games and Cork City are the only side to win at Belfield this season. "It's the best run of form we've had since I got here," says Pete Mahon. "We've had high-profile wins over Derry and St Pat's and we want to keep that going."

The visitors are without Dave Mulcahy and Alan Kirby (both groin), Michael Foley (knee) and Stephen Paisley (suspension) but Mark Quigley and John Frost should be fit to play after recovering sufficiently from a bout of flu to train yesterday morning.

Bohemians welcome back Dessie Byrne for the visit of Longford Town and Darren Mansaram, who missed last week's draw with UCD through suspension, could displace Neale Fenn in Seán Connor's starting line-up.

The Dubliners have been criticised for a lack of cutting edge up front but Connor is defiant. "People say we're struggling but I don't think so at all. We have the best defence in the league, we're unbeaten in nine and we've lost just one of 11 so I'd say we're going in the right direction."

Longford coach Alan Matthews, whose side have a win and three draws in their last four outings - have just one player, Pat Sullivan, out. He has damaged ankle ligaments.

Galway travel to Waterford with both teams looking to build on slight improvements. Galway will be without Stephen Cooling (ankle) while Tony Cousins must wait to check on the fitness of Alan Murphy (calf) and Stephen O'Flynn (groin).