Leaders NIFC travel to face Monkstown

Division Three leaders NIFC travel to second-placed Monkstown on Saturday to decide who will hold the top spot over Christmas.

Both unbeaten, the only enforced change for the leaders is the suspended Sammy Iafeta, who was sent off last Saturday against Richmond, clearing the way for Greg Bell at number eight.

Monkstown impressed in their 27-15 win over Dublin University in College Park on Saturday and have remained injury free.

Fourth-placed Bohemians have two injury worries in centre Ivan Duggan and winger Dan Gallagher, both of whom came off in the 9-6 victory at Instonians last time out, but manager Mike Coffey is hopeful the changes will be kept to a minimum when Highfield pay a visit to Thomond Park.

Highfield had that unlucky one-point defeat at the hands of Carlow last time out although may well find this challenge equally difficult. Still, the Cork side have selected the same team.

Instonians head west to take on Corinthians. Both are looking for their first win, and the Galway side won't be helped by their fair share of injury worries. Back row forward Frank Butler is definitely out (broken ribs) as is Martin Kavanagh while out-half Ian Place continues to recover from a broken nose and is also doubtful.

The Northern side have made just one change, as hooker Andy Adair is unable to travel and is replaced by Brian Leslie.

The nature of their last defeat at the hands of Bohemians - going down three penalties to two - was nothing but a disappointment and on this occasion they should be more capable of taking the points.

Derek Mullane, John Moloney and Barry McCarthy are all back in the Richmond side that play host to Dublin University, who are currently in Swansea for their Students' European Cup tie.

In Division Four, Banbridge are hoping to make it three-out-of-three at home to Suttonians and the team is unchanged.

Second placed Midleton are at home to Collegians but will be without Willie Curtain, who suffered a concussion in the one-point win over Omagh Academicals. Collegians have also made one change as Graham Steele is unable to travel.

Queens have been forced to make three team changes for their clash with Bangor. Prop forward Gareth Weir, Johnny Patton and Fahey Callachand are unavailable. Alan Dickson returns to back row and Ian Coulter comes into the back line.

Omagh are at home to bottom side Ards this week and should restore a winning record. Waterpark, currently next to last, play host to Ballina at Ballinakill.