Saturday

Finn Harps v Shelbourne (7.15)

Finn Harps' manager Gavin Dykes, desperate to see his side climb clear of the bottom, is likely to have a full squad available to him again and there have been promising signs of late, not least that James Mulligan is finding Mike Turner a very useful man to have alongside him. Johnny Kenny, despite an ankle problem, will play.

The visitors have one or two difficulties but nothing too serious given the options at Dermot Keely's disposal. Mark Hutchison is prevented from playing by a condition of his transfer between the two clubs a few weeks ago so Declan Geoghegan, recovered from a stomach muscle injury but now suffering from a sore neck, will probably have to play.

Pat Scully has the flu, Garry Haylock a groin strain and Carl Van Der Velden is suspended but the former two are likely to be involved.

Last two seasons: 1998/99: Shelbourne 0 Harps 0, Harps 3 Shelbourne 2, Shelbourne 2 Harps 0; 99/00: Harps 0 Shelbourne 1, Shelbourne 1 Harps 1.

Recent league form: Harps: LWDDL; Shelbourne: LWDDW.

Leading scorers: Harps: Mulligan (nine); Shelbourne: S Geoghegan and Fenlon (five piece).

Betting: Home: 11/4, Draw: 9/4, Away: 4/5.

Referee: J Stacey (Athlone).

Sunday

Cork City v St Patrick's Athletic (2.0, Live on Network2)

It looks to be too late now to be of any real significance for the club but Cork City's injury problems finally appear to be clearing up with Kelvin Flanagan, Gareth Cronin and Mark Herrick all back in the squad. On a less chirpy note though, Dave Hill and Anthony Buckley are still carrying injuries while Liam O'Brien is suspended.

St Patrick's have Eddie Gormley out for a month due to knee ligament damage while Colin Hawkins is doubtful with a hamstring problem.

Last two seasons: 1998/99: St Patrick's 2 City 0, City 1 St Patrick's 2, St Patrick's 1 City 0; 99/00: City 1 St Patrick's 0, St Patrick's 2 City 0.

Recent league form: City: WDDDD; St Patrick's: LWDLW.

Leading scorers: City: Morley (13); St Patrick's: Hallows (seven).

Betting: Home: 11/10, Draw: 2/1, Away: 9/4.

Referee: P McKeon (Dublin).

Sligo Rovers v Drogheda Utd (2.0)

The stakes are high for both clubs with Drogheda aiming to go six points clear of their rivals, while Rovers aim to draw level with them. Sean Flannery returns for Rovers after suspension while Padraig Moran and Paul Bonner are back from suspension.

Like Cassidy, Drogheda manager Eddie May is better off than last weekend with Peter McDonald returning from suspension.

Last two seasons: 1998/99: Did not meet; 99/ 00: Rovers 1 United 1, United 1 Rovers 1.

Recent league form: Rovers: LDLDL; United: DLDDL.

Leading scorers: Rovers: United: Moran (11); Byrne (five).

Betting: Home: 11/10, Draw: 2/1, Away: 9/4.

Referee: J Feighery (Dublin).

Shamrock Rvrs v Waterford Utd (3.0)

Shamrock Rovers' manager Damien Richardson admits that his side need a win "in order to rejuvenate our European ambitions".

He has Matt Britton, Brian Byrne and Derek Treacey available again. Byrne's return to a strike force missing the injured Tony Cousins and suspended Graham Lawlor is a particularly welcome boost.

Cousins is reckoned to be still a couple of weeks away from full fitness while Lawlor starts a two-match ban. United boss Mike Flanagan must wait on Derek McGrath who is suffering from a groin strain but Tim McGrath is fit again and both are likely to start.

Last two seasons: 1998/99: United 1 Rovers 1, Rovers 0 United 0, United 1 Rovers 0; 99/00: Rovers 1 United 0, United 0 Rovers 0.

Recent league form: Rovers: LDDDD; United: LLDDW.

Leading scorers: Rovers: Francis and Woods (seven apiece); United: Grant (four).

Betting: Home: 8/13, Draw: 9/4, Away: 9/2.

Referee: A O'Regan (Cork).

UCD v Galway United (3.15)

UCD have problems up front where Eoin Bennis and Mick O'Byrne have joined Peter Hanrahan and Glen Fitzpatrick on the injury list, neither are likely to play. That means manager Martin Moran is likely to start with Ken Kilmurray and Alan McNally. Ciaran Kavanagh has the flu but the feeling is that he will make it.

United will be without the injured Michael Quirke, but Michael Donnellan is fit again.

Last two seasons: 1998/99: Did not meet; 99/ 00: UCD 0 United 2, United 2 UCD 1.

Recent league form: UCD: WDWWL; United: WWLDD.

Leading scorers: UCD: Martyn (seven); United: Lavine (six).

Betting: Home: 1/2, Draw: 5/2, Away: 5/1.

Referee: R O'Halloran (Waterford).

Betting courtesy of Paddy Power