A win for St Patrick's tonight at Oriel Park will give them a six-point lead over Shelbourne at the top of the table.

Impressive new signing Leon Braithwaite is described as doubtful, so Martin Reilly will play if required. Ian Gilzean hasn't trained on his troublesome knee, but will probably make it. Paul Osam, who is due to have an exploratory operation on a knee, is definitely out.

Right-back Shane Reddish is suspended for Dundalk, but midfielder Ray Campbell returns from injury. Recent signing Ian Ferguson (knee) is still out, which means Peter Withnell and Brian Byrne stay together in attack.

Recent meetings: 1996/97: Dundalk 1 St Pat's 0, St Pat's 2 Dundalk 2, Dundalk 2 St Pat's 2. 1997/98: St Pat's 1 Dundalk 0.

League form guide: Dundalk: LDWLL; St Patrick's: DDLDW.

Leading league scorers: Dundalk: Byrne and Melvin (five); St Patrick's: Gilzean (eight).

Referee: J McDermott (Dublin).