Bohemians v St Patrick's Ath (Tolka Park, 7.45)

Bohemians' manager Roddy Collins is relishing tonight's game despite being all too conscious of the fact that his side have lost two Dublin derbies already this season.

"My lads are learning about Dublin derbies the hard way," said Collins. "They are the only games we've lost so far."

Captain Mark Dempsey is back after a hamstring injury while Michael Crawford returns from international duty with St Kitts & Nevis. Jamie Harris (groin) and Robbie Brunton (suspended) are out with Derek Swan, their top scorer last season, thus set for only his second start of the season in the Bohemians' attack.

With skipper Eddie Gormley doubtful with a hamstring strain, Paul Osam is in line for a return to the St Patrick's midfield having come through a reserve game last week. Willie Burke is out for up to two months having undergone surgery on an ankle. Manager Liam Buckley has slight doubts over Ian Gilzean and Stephen McGuinness , but both are expected to be fit for selection.

Last season: St Patrick's Athletic 3 Bohemians 0, Bohemians 1 St Patrick's Athletic 1, St. Patrick's Athletic 1 Bohemians 3.

Current league form: Bohemians: LWWLW; St. Patrick's Athletic: DWLWD.

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

Referee: G Perry (Dublin).

Drogheda Utd v Finn Harps (United Park, 7.45)

Charlie McGeever believes his side have turned the corner on their dreadful start as they go looking for their first win of the season. "Our problem earlier in the season was that we had too many players playing well below what they are capable of." he said.

McGeever, who has an injury-free squad, says he won't underestimate Drogheda who have impressed him so far this season.

Harps have released striker Kevin Doherty after 40 unhappy minutes against Derry last week, leaving McGeever still searching for an answer to his problem up front.

Drogheda, with former youth international Stephen Roche back from a viral infection, are at full strength. "I said at the start of the season that we must be consistent," said manager Martin Lawlor.

Last season: Did not meet.

Current league form: Drogheda United: DLDWD; Finn Harps: LLLLD.

Betting: Home: 7/4, Draw: 9/4, Away: 5/4.

Referee: D. Hancock (Dublin).

Waterford Utd v Cork City (Regional Sports Centre, 7.45)

Waterford manager Mike Flanagan is pleading for more protection from referees after he felt his side were deprived of penalties in their last two games.

"We should have had a penalty against Galway," explained Flanagan, "while last week in Drogheda Stephen Grant was clattered by their goalkeeper and the referee accused him of diving. I had to take him off 10 minutes later because of the knock he took."

Grant should be fit to resume tonight but left back John Forst isn't so fortunate as he's out with a hamstring injury and will be replaced by Christian Hislop.

Captain Derek McGrath, who has missed the last two games with a "dead" calf muscle, hopes to be fit.

Cork are without the suspended Greg O'Halloran so Stephen Napier may come back in if his hamstring is up to it. Midfielder Kelvin Flanagan, the club's top scorer last season, could be set for his first start of the campaign if Patsy Freyne can't shake off an ankle injury sustained in last week's 3-2 defeat at Shelbourne.

Last season: Cork City 5 Waterford United 0, Waterford United 0 Cork City 2, Cork City 0 Waterford United 0.

Current league form: Waterford United: LWLLD; Cork City: WLWWL.

Betting: Home: 100/30, Draw: 9/4, Away: 8/11.

Referee: J Stacey (Athlone).

Betting courtesy of Paddy Power.