Limerick v Dundalk

If the pitch at Rathbane passes an inspection, then this tie will be played to a conclusion this evening, with either Limerick being left to concentrate on their promotion campaign or Dundalk having their only distraction from another dismal battle with relegation wrenched away from them.

On the strength of the two encounters so far, Dave Connell's home side have the greater reason for confidence. They have had the better of the chances in each of the other games, and back in front of what is expected to be another good crowd they will fancy their chances of putting away their Premier Division opponents.

"We feel we should have won the other games all right," admits Connell, "but the thing now is not to become complacent about it. They're still a Premier Division side, they deserve a lot of respect and we have to go about the job properly. But we'd certainly be looking to get forward and at them from the start."

Dundalk's experience will be their trump card this evening, especially if the game is deadlocked in the closing stages and nerves start getting a bit frayed. Brian Byrne will be back in contention after a couple of weeks out with a knee injury, while Noel Melvin and John "Jumbo" Brennan are expected to be fit.

David Capper will probably miss out through injury, but Tom McNulty, back from a two-match suspension, will go straight back into the team in the absence of the young defender.

For the home side, John Whyte, who is struggling with an ankle injury, is said to be the only doubt.If he does miss out, then Gareth Ryan is the most likely replacement.

Playing to meet: Derry City away.

Betting: Home: 6/4, Draw: 9/4, Away: 6/4.

Referee: Tom Tully (Cork).