National League Preview

Tonight

Finn Harps v Shamrock Rovers, (7.30)

Despite losing their last three league games, and the more pressing interests to come in the FAI Cup final next month, if Finn Harps can win the first of these two re-scheduled home games they can rise to within two points of Shelbourne in third position.

Harps were clearly disappointed at not taking advantage of a shakey Cork performance at Turner's Cross last Saturday. "We thought we deserved to get something out of Cork but it just didn't come," said manager Charlie McGeever. "I think realistically with our outstanding games we can still catch Shelbourne for third but we must win here otherwise they're home and dry."

Harps have a relatively easy run to the finish with four games at home and one short trip to Derry, although McGeever won't be complacent about any of these games. "There's nobody not fighting for something but if we put that difficult period behind us then we're still in with a chance." They were without four of their regulars last time out and Pascal Vandequin's knee injury will again force him to miss this game. Goalkeeper Brian McKenna is unlikely to be over his shoulder problem either, although Fergal Harkin and Jonathan Minnock should be fit to return.

Rovers' European hopes were also given a dent when UCD held them scoreless over the weekend but all is not lost. "Obviously if we got the three points we'd be better off as we still have the extra game over Shelbourne," said manager Mick Byrne. "It's going to be difficult now as we still have St Patrick's and Cork to come. This game will be tough as well as we're both badly looking for the points but hopefully they'll be thinking more about the Cup and we can get the result."

The main problem for Rovers continues to be their lack of scoring up front although Gareth O'Connor was trying hard last time out. Mark O'Neill also made his return last Friday but is not yet fully fit. Otherwise, Rovers have a full strength squad which could be enough to give them the advantage in the race for third place.

Last two seasons: 1998/99: Rovers 2 Harps 1, Harps 2 Rovers 1, Rovers 2 Harps 2; 98/99: Harps 2 Rovers 1, Rovers 2 Harps 0.

Recent league form: Harps: LWLLL; Rovers: DWLDD.

Leading scorers: Harps: Speak (10); Rovers: Sherlock (eight).

Betting: Home: 8/11; Draw: 9/4; Rovers: 100/30.

Referee: P McKeon (Dublin).

Betting Courtesy of Paddy Power