National League: Premier Division previews

Galway Utd v St Patrick's Ath (7.45)

At first glance, Galway's start to the new campaign has been the stronger but Don O'Riordan plays down the four-point gap, insisting that with both sides having lost two apiece out of four there should be very little to choose between them this evening.

His side's inconsistency has been a little startling to date, but the United boss reckons that last week's win at Bray was earned with the sort of performance that, if reproduced on a regular basis, could provide the basis for a very satisfactory campaign.

With everyone having done well at the Carlisle Grounds, the team should be unchanged and the only question is whether Colin Fortune, just back from honeymoon, will play. For the Dubliners, still without a win after four matches, the main news is the arrival of Robbie Griffin, the left-sided midfielder/striker who signed yesterday from Waterford United and who is likely to go straight into the starting line-up.

Stephen McGuinness misses the game through suspension, Packie Lynch through injury while Jamie Harris and Martin Russell are both considered doubtful.

Last season: United 1 St Patrick's 2, St Patrick's 3 United 0, United 1 St Patrick's 0.

League form: United: WLLW; St Patrick's: LDDL.

Leading scorers: United: Lavine (five); St Patrick's: Russell (two).

Betting: Home: 5/4, Draw: 13/8, Away: 11/5.

Referee: A O'Regan (Cork).

Shelbourne v Kilkenny City (7.45)

Unbeaten in the league at Tolka Park last season, Shelbourne have lost both of their games there so far this season, and on each occasion the visitors had been a side expected by many to struggle at the wrong end of the table once things settle down.

Dermot Keely admits some of the problem lies in the way his side has played but argues that, with so many sides coming to the ground looking for a point, it will be difficult for Shelbourne to hammer out wins there over the coming months.

It's hard to imagine City making it three in-a-row for the underdogs. Against Derry last week everyone conceded they were poor, but Pat Byrne remains upbeat about their chances of bouncing back and after a decent win in Terryland Park a couple of weeks ago they might fancy their chances.

Former Shelbourne player Tommy Byrne (knee) is the only worry for the visitors although even if he is fit enough to start, a couple of changes to last week's line-up are expected.

For the champions, Garry Haylock has gone north on loan and Stephen Geoghegan is injured so Richie Foran will partner Dessie Baker up front. Declan Geoghegan played 15 minutes of a reserve game last week but is still a few weeks off full fitness, while Jim Crawford will miss out due to a hamstring problem.

Last season: Did not meet.

League form: Shelbourne: LWLW; City: LDWL.

Leading scorers: Shelbourne: McCarthy, R Baker and Foran (one apiece); City: Byrne, Mulcahy and Murray (one apiece).

Betting: Home: 1/4, Draw: 3/1, Away: 11/1.

Referee: E Barr (Dublin).

Betting courtesy of Paddy Power