Today

Finn Harps v Cork City

Shane Bradley returns to the home side's squad for the visit of the league leaders, but Harps are unlikely to be changed at the back.

The failure to beat St Patrick's Athletic a couple of weeks back probably killed off the Donegalmen's hopes of sneaking back into the championship race, but, after a couple of disappointing results since the visit to Inchicore, defeat this evening would be a blow to their campaign for a third place finish.

City make the journey north in the hope of going six points clear at the top. The visitors, though, will be without Dave Hill (suspended) and Fergus O'Donoghue (cartilage) for the game, although Noel Hartigan is back in contention after coming down with a bout of flu last weekend.

Last two seasons: 1997/98: Harps 2 City 1, City 3 Harps 1, Harps 1 City 2; 98/99: City 2 Harps 0.

Recent league form: Harps: WWLDL; City: DDLWW.

Leading scorers: Harps: Mulligan (eight), Speak (five); City: Flanagan and Cahill (six apiece).

Betting: Home: 7/4, Draw: 9/4, Away: 5/4.

Referee: G Perry (Dublin).

Tomorrow

Sligo Rovers v St Patrick's Ath (3.0)

The Dubliners may feel the pressure a little more than their championship rivals this weekend, with St Patrick's manager Liam Buckley admitting that the range of possibilities is a little daunting.

"It's impossible to call how the games are going to go because neither Cork nor ourselves have easy games, and depending on how they do turn out we could be level with them at the top or six points off the pace by Sunday night."

While Buckley has almost a full squad, Rovers boss Nicky Reid has somewhat more to think about, with Steve Birks, Padraig Moran and Matt Boswell all injured, while Conor O'Grady (flu) and Wesley Charles (calf strain) are doubtful. Glen Shannon and Neil Ogden return, though, while Johnny Hoeks, a former PSV player who has been based in Belgium recently and who is currently on trial at the Showgrounds, will come into the panel and probably the team.

Last two seasons: 1997/98: Sligo 3 St Patrick's 4, St Patrick's 1 Sligo 2, Sligo 1 St Patrick's 1; 98/99: St Patrick's 4 Sligo 1.

Recent league form: Sligo: WLDLL; St Patrick's: WDDDW.

Leading scorers: Sligo: Hallows (seven), Shannon (six); St Patrick's: Molloy and Gilzean (10 apiece).

Betting: Home: 100/30, Draw: 9/4, Away: 8/11. Referee: R O'Hanlon (Waterford).

UCD v Shamrock Rovers (3.15)

UCD expect to have just about everybody fit for the visit of their former neighbours, and Rovers have only one doubt, last season's top scorer at Belfield, Jason Sherlock.

Brian Morrisroe may come back into the starting line-up, but Mark O'Neill does miss the game due to a cartilage problem.

The hosts will have Ciaran Kavanagh back in their midfield. One certain starter is Aidan Lynch, named this week as the Opel Soccer Writers' Player of the Month for December.

Last two seasons: 1997/98: UCD 0 Rovers 3, Rovers 2 UCD 0, UCD 0 Rovers 0; 98/99: Rovers 1 UCD 0.

Recent league form: UCD: WWWDD; Rovers: WDDDW.

Leading scorers: UCD: O'Byrne (five), Bennis (four); Rovers: Kenny (seven), Sherlock (six).

Betting: Home: 6/4, Draw: 11/5, Away: 6/4. Referee: J McDermott (Dublin).

Waterford Utd v Bray Wanderers (3.15)

Waterford have Jason Kabia and Joe Keith available again, but Joe Harkin and Alan Reynolds are still injured.

Bray are without John Ryan and Barry O'Connor, who have groin strains, but Steve Jones comes into the squad for the first time since joining from Sligo Rovers.

None of which, of course, will matter much if the pitch at the RSC is unplayable again. It will be inspected throughout the weekend if the rain persists.

Last two seasons: 1997/98: Waterford 0 Bray 3, Bray 0 Waterford 1, Waterford 1 Bray 3; 98/99: Bray 6 Waterford 0.

Recent league form: Waterford: LLDLL; Bray: LLLWD.

Leading scorers: Waterford: Dully, Gannon and Wood (two apiece); Bray: Byrne (five), Parsons (three).

Betting: Home: 11/10, Draw: 9/4, Away: 2/1. Referee: D Hancock (Dublin).

First Division

Some pitch inspections planned here too. Buckley Park was to be inspected at nine this morning to decide whether it is fit to stage this evening's game between Kilkenny and Longford.

Longford have everybody available for selection, including Alan O'Connor and winger Stevie Gavin, who did so well after coming on last week that he may well start this time around.

Drogheda United are also in reasonably good shape for the trip to Monaghan tomorrow.

Today: Kilkenny v Longford (7.30). Tomorrow: Monaghan v Drogheda (3.15), Athlone v Cobh Ramblers (2.30).

Betting courtesy of Paddy Power.