Sunday

Monaghan United v Longford Town

Gortakeegan, 3.0

Two hard-fought draws against big Dublin clubs will have restored some pride to Monaghan, but this is more the sort of game that Bobby Browne admits is crucial now if his men are to have any chance of staying up.

Browne is boosted by the return of both Robert Forde and Stephen Murphy from suspension, but he continues to have a string of problems, too. James O'Callaghan misses out with a calf strain, while John Carroll and Derek Gill are still not sufficiently recovered from long-term injuries to feature.

Longford, meanwhile, are likely to look much the same again as Stephen Kenny seeks to build on the what is shaping up to be the club's best run of form so far this season.

Last two seasons: Did not meet; 2001/02: Longford Town 1 Monaghan United 1.

League form: Monaghan United: L L L D D; Longford Town: D W D D W.

Leading scorers: Monaghan United: Vaughan (five); Longford Town: Lavine (seven).

Betting: Home: 7/4, Draw: 11/5, Away: 5/4.

UCD v Derry City

Belfield, 3.15

The hosts continue to have problems on the goalkeeping front with Pat Jennings's finger injury and Gerry McGill's prior commitment on the Gaelic front depriving Paul Doolin of cover for Barry Ryan.

Overall, though, there will be little change from last week, with Kevin Grogan likely to start on the bench again despite going a long way towards proving his fitness in midweek with a couple of goals in the Colours match.

City's only serious concern is Eamon Doherty, who has an ankle problem. He'll undergo a fitness test tomorrow, but Darren McCreadie is the most likely replacement, although Derek Philips, Gary Beckett and Tommy McCallion could switch into position.

Last two seasons: 2000/01: UCD 0 Derry City 1, Derry City 0 UCD 1, UCD 1 Derry City 1; 2001/02: Derry City 1 UCD 1.

League form: UCD: D W W L L; Derry City: W D D D D.

Leading scorers: UCD: R Martin (seven); Derry City: Hughes (four).

Betting: Home: 6/4, Draw: 11/5, Away: 6/4.

Betting courtesy of Paddy Power