Bohemians v UCD (3.15)
Having established themselves as leaders of the pack when beating Cork City by three goals last week, Bohemians must now look to build on the result and the visit of UCD should give an early indication of just how effective they'll be.
Roddy Collins reckons that there is a chance that Shelbourne's unbeaten record may go against Waterford on Monday but his more immediate concern is Bohemians's home form. Bohemians welcome Kevin Hunt back, and he will almost certainly slot straight into the centre of midfield but Jamie Harris is suspended leaving Collins with the option of bringing in either Derek Swan or Ray Kelly. Given Swan's guest appearances over the past couple of the weeks it doesn't look like much of a choice.
The students are without Clive Delaney, who is suspended, and Tony McDonnell, who will be absent for some time after an operation on a toe. In Delaney's absence Andy Noonan is likely to start in central defence alongside Aidan Lynch. Spirits in the UCD camp should be high after the win against Derry although manager Martin Moran admits to being disappointed that his team didn't get the chance to follow up the win with the match against Shamrock Rovers.
Last two seasons: 1998/99: UCD 2 Bohemians 0, Bohemians 3 UCD 0, UCD 2 Bohemians 0; 99/00: UCD 0 Bohemians 2.
Recent league form: Bohemians: DWLDW; UCD: LLDDW.
Leading scorers: Bohemians: Crowe (eight); UCD: Martyn (five).
Betting: Home: 4/6, Draw: 12/5, Away: 100/30.
Referee: R O'Hanlon (Waterford).
Cork City v Shamrock Rovers (2.0)
After meeting for a couple of seasons in back to back league ties, this game is now also a dry run for next week's FAI Cup first round tie. An added burden which, in the circumstances, both managers could probably have done without.
It's hard to imagine Dave Barry's mind being on the cup following their recent indifferent run. Their championship hopes will all but evaporate if they do not win on Sunday.
The Injury problems that have contributed to a miserable run of two points from 15 over the past month have far from cleared up, with Declan Daly now out after injuring his medial ligament in last week's defeat by Bohemians.
Liam O'Brien and Kelvin Flanagan (both hamstring) and Gerard Dobbs (back) are all out too but Anthony Buckley unavailable after a hip injury while Greg O'Halloran may start if Dave Hill hasn't recovered from a knee problem. For Rovers, Tony Cousins will be back on the bench after his knee operation while Billy Woods is expected to start his first game since breaking a toe against Drogheda a couple of months back.
Tommy Dunne is suspended, while Derek Tracey is still laid up with a rib injury.
Last two seasons: 1998/99: City 3 Rovers 1, Rovers 0 City 3, City 3 Rovers 0; 99/00: Rovers 1 City 3.
Recent league form: City: LLDDL; Rovers: WDLWW.
Leading scorers: City: Morley (12); Rovers: Woods (six).
Betting: Home: 10/11, Draw: 9/4, Away: 12/5.
Referee: J McDermott (Dublin).
St Patrick's Ath v Drogheda United (3.15)
Drogheda's new boss Eddie May was delighted with his side's performance against the league leaders at United Park last Sunday but a visit to the defending champions after they've lost three on the trot may prove to be a case of bad timing.
As usual Liam Buckley's line up and formation remain matters for speculation and as always, there are problems to contend with. Stephen McGuinness's suspension is the main new difficulty while Paul Osam, though training again, is still a couple of weeks away from full fitness.
Trevor Croly should be back after a bout of the flu and Donal Broughan is expected to shake off a knock to the knee. Trevor Molloy is also over the flu while Willie Burke is fit to start a game again after coming on as a substitute in Waterford on Monday.
May, meanwhile, has the same panel to choose from and Fergal Coleman may have done enough against Shelbourne to start this time out.
Last two seasons: 1998/99: Did not meet; 99/00: United 1 St Patrick's 2.
Recent league form: St Patrick's: WWLLL; United: DLLDD.
Leading scorers: St Patrick's: Hallows (five); United: Byrne (five).
Betting: Home: 2/5, Draw: 11/4, Away: 6/1.
Referee: A O'Regan (Cork).
Betting courtesy of Paddy Power
