Saturday
Finn Harps V Waterford United (7.45)
Newly arrived Mike Turner, the big striker that Harps have been talking about since last summer, will be given every encouragement to make an immediate impact in this evening's six pointer with the on loan Barnsley man going straight into the starting line-up.
Gavin Dykes insists that while his side have dried up completely around the opposition goal, 23-year-old Turner "has proven that he can put the ball in the back of the net". If he was to do so tonight and help Harps to their first win in nine league games then he'd start to look good value. Elsewhere, Johnny Kenny is out with an ankle injury and with Pascal Vaudequin and Mark Hutchison both gone there will readjusting to be done for what is a crucial game.
Waterford are very well off with Mike Flanagan travelling to Ballybofey with a full squad. Last year it was after defeats by UCD and Harps that United were suddenly transformed into the hardest team to beat in the history of the game so, says Flanagan "we're looking to get a bit of head start this season by beating Harps".
Last two seasons: 1998/99: Harps 1 United 2, United 0 Harps 3, Harps 2 United 0; 99/00: United 2 Harps 3.
Recent league form: Harps: DLDLL; United: WDWLL.
Leading scorers: Harps: Mulligan (seven); United: grant (four).
Betting: Home: 1/2, Draw: 5/2, Away: 5/1.
Referee: P McKeon (Dublin).
Sligo Rovers v Bohemians (7.30)
Having been taken to the cleaners in Terryland Park last week there are further problems for Tommy Cassidy ahead of the visit of Roddy Collins's title chasers.
Five senior players Paul Bonner (rib), Ian Lynch (groin), Wesley Charles and Steve Birks (both suspended) and Jim Sheridan (medial ligament) are all out so Cassidy is faced with playing a very young side against a very experienced Dublin outfit.
On a slightly brighter note Tommy Byrne should make his debut against his former club while Davie Williamson (an English trialist who was once with Cambridge) will start out wide in midfield.
Bohemians are better off. Graham O'Hanlon (knee) is the main absentee while Pascal Vaudequin, Tony O'Connor and Wayne Russell are all firmly back in contention.
Last two seasons: 1998/99: Rovers 2 Bohemians 2, Bohemians 0 Rovers 1, Rovers 2 Rovers 1; 99/00: Bohemians 3 Rovers 2.
Recent league form: Rovers: LLDWL; Bohemians: LWWWW.
Leading scorers: Rovers: Moran (11); Bohemians: Crowe (eight).
Betting: Home: 100/30, Draw: 9/4, Away: 8/11.
Referee: J Stacey (Athlone)
Sunday
Cork City v Derry City (12.0)
This looks like being the latest make or break game for City who have been trying to get their title challenge back on the rails since things first started going wrong at the start of December.
On the face of it last week's draw in United Park was yet another blow but Dave Barry feels that, against a much improved Drogheda side, the point was actually a good one. Injury problems have dogged the home side over the last eight weeks or so and this weekend is no different with Declan Daly (knee), Colin O'Brien and Anthony Buckley (both hamstring) all facing tests on injuries and thought doubtful.
Daly's condition is a particular difficulty given that Dave Hill's own cartilage problem has been getting worse and the Englishman may be forced to rest. Derry, meanwhile, will have Paul Hegarty back having missed the cup defeat by Bray through suspension, while Joe Harkin is approaching full fitness after a four month absence and he may play some part in tomorrow's contest.
Last two seasons: 1998/99: Cork 2 Derry 1, Derry 1 Cork 1, Cork 0 Derry 1; 99/00: Derry 1 Cork 0.
Recent league form: Cork: DDLWD; Derry: LWWLW.
Leading scorers: Cork: Morley (13); Derry: Coyle (four).
Betting: Home: 8/11, Draw: 9/4, Away: 100/30.
Referee: R O'Hanlon (Waterford).
Shamrock Rovers v UCD (2.0)
While rovers struggle with injuries, the students are in the best shape they have been for some time, with only long-term absentee Tony McDonnell certain to miss the refixed trip to Santry.
For the home side another win is imperative and their recent record against tomorrow's opponents suggests cause for optimism.
There are still injury worries though, and they will have to see how Graham Lawlor, Tony O'Dowd, Brian Byrne and Terry Palmer all causing concern during the week came through last night's match.
Last two seasons: 1998/99: Rovers 2 UCD 0, UCD 0 Rovers 2, Rovers 0 UCD 0; 99/00: UCD 3 Rovers 0.
Recent league form: Rovers: WWLW; UCD: DWLW.
Leading scorers: Rovers: Woods (seven), Francis (six); UCD: Martyn (five), O'Byrne, Bennis and Lynch (three apiece).
Betting: Home: 5/6, Draw: 11/5, Away: 11/4.
Referee: G Perry (Dublin).
Monaghan United have confirmed that the club's manager, Bobby Browne, has made two new signings with Goron Johnston joining the club from Home Farm Fingal along with former Shelbourne player Anthony Mitchell.
Betting courtesy of Paddy Power
