Saturday

Cork City v UCD (2.30)

Both of these clubs have their eye on a place in European competition next season although UCD boss Martin Moran admits that a defeat in Turner's Cross this afternoon could knock their ambitions on the head.

Inevitably, though, UCD have problems ahead of the game with Mick O'Byrne (hamstring) and Eoin Bennis (groin) both out and Aidan Lynch rated doubtful.

Dave Barry, meanwhile, has more options than last week with Patsy Freyne, Gareth Cronin and Phil Harrington all available after missing the win in Terryland Park. Given that it was the club's best performance in a couple of months, however, Barry may not wish to meddle too much.

Last two seasons: 1998/99: UCD 0 City 1, City 1 UCD 2, UCD 2 City 2; 99/00: City 1 UCD 0, UCD 2 City 2.

Recent league form: City: DDDLW; UCD: WWLDD.

Leading scorers: City: Morley (14); UCD: Martyn (nine).

Betting: Home: 5/4, Draw: 2/1, Away: 15/8.

Referee: G Perry (Dublin).

Finn Harps v Derry City (7.15)

The home team's record against City can hardly provide much comfort for Gavin Dykes who desperately needs his side to record only their second ever league win over their neighbours.

Dykes will probably return in central defence with Shane Bradley moving to left full.

Derry's Kevin Mahon has doubts about Gary Beckett (groin), Sean Hargan (groin) and Johnny McIvor (Achilles tendon).

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

Recent league form: Harps: DDLLD; City: DDDDW.

Leading scorers: Harps: Mulligan (nine); City: Coyle (six).

Betting: Home: 7/4, Draw: 2/1, Away: 5/4.

Referee: J Feighery (Dublin).

Galway v Bohemians (7.0)

United's revival has slowed somewhat of late and they remain contenders to emulate Bray's ground breaking feat of last season by winning the cup and being relegated within a painfully short space of time. Needless to say Don O'Riordan insists that he'd take premier division survival if he had the choice.

Michael Quirke is not quite fit but O'Riordan can choose from Neil Ogden, Sean Malee, Aubrey Dolan and Billy Clery if he opts to bring in fresh legs.

For Bohemians there is less to be concerned about with Roddy Collins having everybody bar Michael Dempsey available.

Last two seasons: 1998/99: Did not meet; 99/00: United 1 Bohemians 2, Bohemians 1 United 3.

Recent league form: United: DDDDL; Bohemians: DDWDD.

Leading scorers: United: Lavine (six); Bohemians: Crowe (eight).

Betting: Home: 2/1, Draw: 2/1, Away: 6/5.

Referee: P McKeon (Dublin).

Sunday

Drogheda v Waterford (3.15)

It's been going from bad to worse for Drogheda more or less since they went out of the cup to non-league opposition but this week's problems with meeting the wage bill at the club can have done little to bolster morale ahead of this vital relegation clash.

Eddie May now admits that anything less than a win tomorrow will make his team's return to the first division virtually inevitable.

Waterford have definitely lost Stephen Grant to the New England Revolution while Dave Smith (knee), Alan Reynolds (ribs), Brendan Markey (knee), Tim McGrath (hamstring) and Derek McGrath (groin) are all causing Mike Flanagan some concern. A fit McGrath may replace Reynolds while Karl Gannon could start up front.

Last two seasons: 1998/99: Did not meet; 99/00: Drogheda 1 Waterford 1, Waterford 1 Drogheda 0.

Recent league form: Drogheda: DDLDL; Waterford: DDWWD.

Leading scorers: Drogheda: Byrne (five); Waterford: Grant - now New England Revolution - (five), Markey (three).

Betting: Home: 2/1, Draw: 2/1, Away: 6/5.

Referee: H Byrne (Dublin).

Shamrock Rvs v Sligo Rvs (3.0)

Despite having conceded nine to the Dubliners in their previous two meetings this season, Sligo come to town knowing that a mere improvement tomorrow is of no use whatsoever. Tommy Cassidy and his side urgently need to take some points back home with them.

There is, at least, a full panel to choose from again. Shamrock Rovers have Brian Byrne back from injury and Shane Jackson available again following suspension. Jackson will be in the squad but the question for Damien Richardson is whether to put Byrne straight back into the starting line up.

Last two seasons: 1998/99: Sligo 2 Rovers 3, Rovers 1 Sligo 1, Sligo 1 Rovers 0; 99/00: Rovers 4 Sligo 1, Sligo 3 Rovers 5.

Recent league form: Rovers: DDDLD; Sligo: LDLDD.

Leading scorers: Rovers: Francis and Woods (seven apiece); Sligo: Moran (11).

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

Referee: J O'Neill (Waterford).

Betting courtesy of Paddy Power