Tonight

Derry City v St Patrick's Ath (7.30)

Having been convinced that his team were playing better than their results had indicated early on, Felix Healy has seen City climb the table steadily over the past few weeks. This is the biggest test they will have faced since their fortunes took a turn for the better.

They may not quite be at full strength for the visit of the league leaders, with Sean Hargan struggling to shrug off a hamstring problem, while Liam Coyle, who hurt his back in training last week, is also doubtful.

The Dubliners, meanwhile, have a few minor problems with Ian Gilzean, Trevor Wood, Colin Hawkins and Eddie Gormley all receiving treatment in midweek for niggling problems. On the brighter front Paul Campbell is all right again and, if he can, Pat Dolan is likely to stick with an unchanged team for the fourth successive game.

Last two seasons: 1996/97: Derry 1 St Patrick's 1, St Patrick's 1 Derry 1, Derry 2 St Patrick's 0; 97/98: St Patrick's 0 Derry 0.

Recent league form: Derry: LWWWW; St Patrick's: DWWWW.

Leading scorers: Derry: Hargan (five), St Patrick's: Molloy and Gilzean (four).

Betting: Home: 6/4, Draw: 7/4, Away: 2/1. Referee: H Byrne (Dublin).

Kilkenny City v Shelbourne (7.30)

Yet another tough one for City with matters made no easier by the fact that one centre half, David Breen, is out with the flu and another, Brendan Rea is doubtful due to a recurring thigh strain.

The problems mean that newly signed centre back Eric Smith will almost certainly start with Alan O'Connor, who came with him from St Patrick's, standing a good chance of being on from the start too.

Shelbourne manager Damien Richardson will be hoping that his side can keep up their recent run of form although, with Pat Scully and Declan Geoghegan out, he is not underestimating the difficulty involved in adding another three points to their collection.

Last two seasons: 1996/97: Did not meet; 97/98: Shelbourne 2 Kilkenny 1.

Recent league form: Kilkenny: LLDLL; Shelbourne: WLDWW.

Leading scorers: Kilkenny: Hale (three); Shelbourne: S Geoghegan (seven).

Betting: Home: 7/1, Draw: 9/2, Away: 2/7. Referee: T Tully (Cork).

Tomorrow

Dundalk v Cork City (3.15)

The hosts need a win here in order to halt their poor run and slide down the table and their cause is helped by the fact that for the first time in a few weeks Jim McLaughlin has a full squad - minus attacking midfielder Nathan Wigg who left the club on Thursday night by mutual consent - to choose from.

Raymond Campbell may start for the first time since his outstanding performance in Richmond Park, while Shane Reddish is fit again and Kevin Brady returns after being cup-tied for the defeat by Shelbourne in midifeld.

Dave Barry's squad, meanwhile, still contains a few players who are suffering from battle scars but given their current form and the fact that the current line-up came through against Rovers both home and away, the City manager is unlikely to be in any great hurry to change things about.

Last two seasons: 1996/97: Dundalk 0 Cork 1, Cork 0 Derry 0, Dundalk 0 Cork 4; 97/98: Cork 3 Dundalk 0.

Recent league form: Dundalk: WDLLL; Cork: WWDWW.

Leading scorers: Dundalk: Melvin and Byrne (four apiece); Cork: O'Brien (four).

Betting: Home: 11/4, Draw: 2/1, Away: 11/10.

Referee: J Feighery (Dublin).

First Division

Two of the frontrunners are in action this evening with Waterford looking to continue a good run with a win over Monaghan at the Regional Sports Centre, while Limerick go to bottom placed Cobh Ramblers.

Both sides will make changes but it is Tommy Lynch's side who undergo the greater shake-up with Sean Riordan suspended and Donal Golden and Alan Reynolds injured. On the other hand, Padraig Dully and Tommy Hewitt are available again and likely to go straight back into the team. Jason Bowman and John Lacey may figure in midfield.

Limerick, meanwhile, lose striker Jason O'Connor to suspension for the first of four games, while Ray O'Halloran is definitely out with a stomach muscle strain. Derek Whyte and Albert Finnan are described by manager Dave Connell as having fifty-fifty chances of playing, while Paul O'Donnell, a winger who has played with Fairview Rangers since coming home from Liverpool, comes into the squad after signing in midweek.

Betting courtesy of Paddy Power