FAI national league previews

Saturday - Premier division

Finn Harps v Bohemians (7.15)

Jonathan Speak welcomes the return of centre backs Neil Fitzhenry and Shane Bradley for the visit of Bohemians while Johnny Kenny may well return to partner Kevin McHugh up front if he has shaken the flu.

If not then the former Derry City striker may well opt to start himself although he insists that's not something he'll be looking to do too often. In the longer term Speak says money is not available to bring in a player or two to boost the club's campaign to avoid relegation but the priority is a centre half to replace Gavin Dykes. A new striker is a likely target if there is enough cash left.

Bohemians have Shaun Maher suspended so Stephen Caffrey is likely to drop back into central defence. Rumours persist Dykes will join the Dubliners until the end of the season and there is a possibility a deal could be completed while Roddy Collins is in the north west.

Last two seasons: 1999/00: Harps 0 Bohemians 1, Bohemians 1 Harps 0, Harps 0 Bohemians 0; 00/01: Bohemians 1 Harps 0.

Recent league form: Harps: LDDLL; Bohemians: DLWLW.

Leading scorers: Harps: Kenny (three); Bohemians: Crowe (13).

Betting: Home: 7/2, Draw: 12/5, Away: 4/6.

Referee: J McDermott (Dublin).

Kilkenny City v St Patrick's (7.30)

Mick O'Byrne is expected to make his debut for the Premier Division strugglers this evening but the former UCD striker may have to slot into midfield as Joe McGrath insists Warren Parkes's recent form has been particularly impressive.

"It's a good thing that we finally have a bit of competition up front, though," says McGrath, who will also have Dutch midfielder Raymond Roos on hand to watch his new team-mates in action.

Pat Dolan expects to be without Ger McCarthy due to ligament damage and he will have to decide between Michael Holt and Jamie Harris as Liam Kelly's striking partner up front. Paul Byrne is also slightly doubtful with flu.

Last two seasons: 1999/00: Did not meet; 00/01: St Patrick's 3 City 0.

Recent league form: City: LLLLD; St Patrick's: LWWLW.

Leading scorers: City: Byrne, Mulcahy, Murray, Kabia, Carter, Parkes, McGrath, Rocha and McReavy (one each); St Patrick's: Kelly (six).

Betting: Home: 7/2, Draw: 12/5, Away: 4/6.

Referee: J Casey (Waterford).

Sunday - Premier division

Shamrock Rovers v UCD (2.0)

The students make the short journey across the city knowing they need to improve their league form if they are not to get sucked into a relegation scrap. "Well, put it this way," says manager Martin Moran, "I think we need the points more than they do."

A minor flu epidemic within the squad isn't helping matters, however, and in addition to Barry Ryan who will almost certainly miss out again, John Martin, Eamon McLoughlin and Kevin Grogan are all slightly doubtful.

Rovers have problems of their own with Marc Kenny, Tony Cousins and, possibly, Pat Deans all out injured. Derek Tracey and Jason Colwell could be fit again.

Last two seasons: 1999/00: UCD 3 Rovers 0, Rovers 0 UCD 0, UCD 1 Rovers 1; 00/01: UCD 2 Rovers 2.

Recent league form: Rovers: WDDWL; UCD: LDDLD.

Leading scorers: Rovers: Francis (five); UCD: McDonnell and Grogan (four apiece).

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

Referee: J O'Neill (Waterford).

Shelbourne v Derry City (5.0)

Richie Baker, who has scored four goals in his last three league games, looks extremely doubtful for the champions after picking up an ankle injury in the cup defeat of Monaghan. James Keddy and Davy Byrne are both doubtful due to flu. Jim Crawford and Jonathan Prizeman are both fully fit again, though, but a final decision won't be made on the starting line up until a decision on Baker is made.

City, as usual, have problems up front with both Liam Coyle and Gary Beckett now both laid up with groin problems. Midfielder Paddy McLaughlin, who has a knee injury, is also out.

Last two seasons: 1999/00: Shelbourne 2 City 0, City 1 Shelbourne 0, Shelbourne 2 City 2; 00/01: City 1 Shelbourne 1.

Recent league form: Shelbourne: WWWWW; City: LDDWD.

Leading scorers: Shelbourne: Foran (eight); City: Doherty (four).

Betting: Home: 4/7, Draw: 12/5, Away: 9/2.

Referee: A O'Regan (Cork).

Sunday - FAI Cup second-round replay

Cork City v Longford Town (2.0)

Having made the journey home from Galway last night, Derek Mountfield's men will gather this morning in order to assess the injury situation ahead of tomorrow's cup replay against Longford.

Mountfield will have Greg O'Halloran back from suspension, though, which will provide the Englishman with the option of making at least one change to his defence. Longford should be more or less unchanged from the game against Bray last night although Sean Prunty, the 20 year-old left winger signed recently from Middlesbrough, may come into the reckoning for a start.

Betting: Home: 4/6, Draw: 9/4, Away: 7/2.

Referee: J McDermott (Dublin).

Betting courtesy of Paddy Power.