National League Previews

Friday

Bohemians v Shamrock Rovers (7.35 Network2)

After all the trouble involving players selected to represent the league during the week there is a sense that this game, the first of the season to be televised live, better deliver the goods.

Roddy Collins has, at least, all his best players rested for the derby which, if the last meeting between the two clubs is anything to go by, shouldn't be short of action either on or off the pitch.

The Bohemians manager's stated belief that "this is the game that is most important to everybody in the country" might prompt some puzzled reactions across the river in Richmond Park but for Bohemians supporters there will at least be some satisfaction in knowing that Dave Morrison is available again after a suspension.

Like their hosts, Rovers are unbeaten in four and having come through some tense times only a few weeks ago Damien Richardson will be hoping that his side can build on the much improved performances of the past month.

The fact that Tommy Dunne is back from suspension means that Richardson may have options at left full although the Dubliner does have a slight bout of flu while Jason Colwell (ankle) is rated as doubtful and given the midfielder's contribution in the last two games his loss would be a blow to the visiting side's chances.

More important, though, will be the form of the club's more recognised goalscorers with Brian Byrne, Sean Francis, Tony Grant and Tony Cousins all struggling to deliver on a regular basis.

Cousins' gradual return to full fitness offers some hope for the weeks ahead while Richardson will presumably be thinking that last week's remarkable fluke against Derry - when his shot hit another ball which was lying in front of the goal and went in - will get Grant going again.

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

Recent league form: Bohemians: LWWDW; Rovers: LDWDW.

Leading scorers: Bohemians: Crowe (12); Rovers: Francis (four).

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

Referee: J McDermott (Dublin).

St Patrick's Athletic v Cork City (7.45)

Both sides have hinted at what they are capable of in recent weeks but both could do with a win this evening as they try to keep in touch with the premier division leaders.

City's defeat at Shelbourne last week will have robbed Derek Mountfield's side of an opportunity to build some momentum and the fact this team once again failed to score will revive his concerns. Still, with the Englishman intent on adding another couple of players to his panel in the weeks ahead there may be better to come and for the moment he will be anxious the club doesn't come away from its two visits to Dublin in successive weeks entirely empty handed.

On the injury front Fergal O'Donoghue (ankle), Colin O'Brien (knee) and Noel Mooney (foot) are all doubtful as is Keith Doyle who is recovering from a dead leg and Seamus Kelly who has a thigh strain.

Unlike the Corkmen, Pat Dolan's side have overcome their early difficulties with goalscoring and given the form of Liam Kelly and Ger McCarthy over the past few weeks, the visitors would look to have their work cut out if they are to repeat their opening day win over their rivals.

Last two seasons: 1999/00: City 1 St Patrick's 0, St Patrick's 2 City 0, City 1 St Patrick's 1; 00/01: City 1 St Patrick's 0.

Recent league form: St Patrick's: WWDWD; City: DWLWL.

Leading scorers: St Patrick's: Kelly (five); City: Morley (three).

Betting: Home: 11/8, Draw: 9/4, Away: 13/8.

Referee: J Stacey (Athlone).