Title chase continues as Dublin rivals fight for survival

National League Previews With the main focus of attention elsewhere, St Patrick's Athletic take on Shamrock Rovers in a Dublin…

National League PreviewsWith the main focus of attention elsewhere, St Patrick's Athletic take on Shamrock Rovers in a Dublin derby with a difference at Richmond Park, as both fight to secure their survival in the Premier Division.

A much welcome win - their first in 13 games - at Cork City last week has lifted morale in Inchicore, but St Patrick's are just three points ahead of Rovers who occupy the relegation play-off place.

Suspensions force the reorganisation of the St Patrick's defence and midfield as Barry Prenderville, Michael Foley and Vinny Perth - the latter pair sent off in Cork - are absent. Stephen Quigley is likely to come in at right back with Paul Donnelly set to start in the centre of midfield with Alan Reilly.

Keith Doyle returns from suspension for Rovers who have lost Mark Quigley. He has returned to Millwall, and Brian Shelley due to work commitments.

READ MORE

With John O'Flynn out with a groin problem and Denis Behan suspended, leaders Cork may be unchanged from their win at Bohemians on Monday for a Munster derby with Waterford United at the RSC.

Though Gary Beckett should be fit, Stephen O'Flynn, having scored at UCD on Monday, is set to partner Mark Farren up front again for Derry City at Bray Wanderers. Definitely out is midfielder Kevin Deery (knee) with Barry Molloy set to start.

Bray, mathematically still not safe, remain without Jody Lynch while Stephen Gifford is suspended. David Tyrrell is likely to return on the left flank.

Shelbourne go for a 10th win from 11 games at Drogheda United without winger Bobby Ryan who will miss the remaining three matches having suffered ligament damage to his right ankle. Stuart Byrne and Richie Baker are again unlikely to feature.

Shane Robinson returning from injury and Jermaine Sandvliet, Graham Gartland and Mark Rooney back from suspension means FAI Cup finalists Drogheda are near full strength, save for Jason Gavin who has a hamstring strain.