Tonight

Drogheda UTD v UCD

Drogheda will be keen to break their losing sequence but it won't be easy against a UCD side that should have received a considerable boost to their confidence from last Sunday's win in Derry.

Still, a quick glance at United's current form is a little misleading for their three recent defeats have been against Shelbourne, St Patrick's Athletic and Cork City respectively and Martin Lawlor's side already have a win at the Brandywell to boast of themselves this season.

UCD won't be helped either by the continued absence of strikers Mick O'Byrne and Peter Hanrahan. O'Byrne (hamstring) is reckoned to be a couple of weeks away from even training while Hanrahan (achilles tendon) failed fitness tests before both of last weekend's games and hasn't made much progress this week.

Brian Mooney, Tony McDonnell and Eamon McLoughlin are also doubtful but coach Theo Dunne is hopeful that all three will be fit enough to take some part by kick-off time this evening.

Last season: Did not meet.

Recent league form: Drogheda: D W L L L, UCD: W L L D W.

Betting: Home: 5/2; Draw: 9/4; Away: 10/11.

Referee: D Hancock (Dublin).

Galway Utd v St Patrick's Ath

While the champions appear to be finding a bit of form over the past few weeks, Galway have completely lost theirs with Don O'Riordan's side looking for their first point in six outings this evening.

Daragh Sheridan is available again after suspension and may go back into the team but the United boss isn't giving too much away in advance other than that Eddie Hickey will keep his place in goal while Nick Flower returns to the bench after a long lay off for the injured David Forde.

While the home side's strikers have yet to score a goal between them this season the problems for Liam Buckley are at the other end with a succession of injuries forcing repeated line-up changes and more recently major tactical upheaval on the Dubliner.

Colin Hawkins (ribs) still looks to be out while Packie Lynch is doubtful after picking up an ankle injury in last week's draw with Shamrock Rovers. However, Stephen McGuinness's knee problem is clearing up while the club will also have new signing Barry Prenderville available for selection. The former Coventry City defender's arrival might even mean a reversion to three central defenders.

If not, there is unlikely to be much by way of change through the rest of the team with young Alan McNevin doing enough over the course of the last two weeks to retain his place in a three-man attack alongside Marcus Hallows and Trevor Molloy.

Last season: Did not meet.

Recent league form: Galway: L L L L L, St Patrick's Ath: D D W W D.

Betting: Home: 4/1; Draw: 11/5; Away: 4/6.

Referee: T Tully (Cork).

Betting courtesy of Paddy Power.