National League Previews

St Patrick's Ath v Sligo Rovers These two produced seven goals between them when they met in the Showgrounds and Sligo went into serious decline after coming off worst in the game. Now, with a couple of wins against the bottom teams behind them Sligo can ill afford to be packed off on another long run without a win by the leaders.

Nicky Reid's side are not well fixed for the trip to Dublin, however, with Steve Birks, Neil Ogden and Ian Lynch all suspended and Padraig Moran the most likely of several players carrying knocks to miss out.

Sean Flannery, a 17 year-old local striker, is likely to come in for Moran but otherwise things will remain much the same as Reid seeks the consistency which has been sadly lacking since the first few weeks of the season.

"The bottom teams gave us tough game but we won them and if UCD can get a result against Saint Patrick's then I don't see any reason why we shouldn't too," he says.

His opposite number, meanwhile, will be looking to get back to winning ways after seeing his side draw in each of their last two outings. Pat Dolan must wait on Ian Gilzean who has a slight knee problem while Willie Burke (ankle) and Trevor Molloy (hamstring) are also doubtful.

Last two seasons: 1996/97: St Patrick's 2 Sligo 2, Sligo 2 St Patrick's 0, St Patrick's 4 Sligo 2; 97/98: Sligo 3 St Patrick's 4.

Recent league form: St Patrick's: WWWDD; Sligo: LLWDW.

Leading scorers: St Patrick's: Gilzean (seven), Molloy (five); Sligo: Jones and Moran (five apiece).

Betting: Home: 4/9, Draw: 11/4, Away: 6/1.

Referee: J McDermott (Dublin).

Shelbourne v UCD

Damien Richardson is, as usual, looking on the bright side ahead of this evening's match against UCD, pointing out that his side have scored seven in their last two outings but for Theo Dunne it is the fact that they have conceded six that is more important.

"We created quite a few chances against Saint Patrick's last week, the goal went in off in the end but the pressure was there and we deserved it so we have to go out and look to keep up that sort of form against for this game," Dunne says.

Jason Sherlock is back in the reckoning for the visitors and will probably return to the starting line up but defender Tony McDonnell will be out for several weeks yet after pulling a hamstring.

For the northsiders, neither Tony McCarthy not Stephen Geoghegan trained yesterday and both are rated highly doubtful with hamstring and groin strains respectively. If McCarthy misses out then Mick Neville will switch to the centre with Dave smith coming in at full back while Geoghegan's absence would almost certainly mean a start for Liam Kelly.

Pat Scully and Greg Costello have recovered from problems in Cork but Declan Geoghegan is still a week or two away from match fitness.

Last two seasons: 1996/97: Shelbourne 1 UCD 0, UCD 1 Shelbourne 3, Shelbourne 1 UCD 0; 97/98: UCD 2 Shelbourne 1.

Recent league form: Shelbourne: WWLWD; UCD: LLDLD.

Leading scorers: Shelbourne: S Geoghegan (12), Scully (seven); UCD: Sherlock (four), Griffin and Bennis (three apiece).

Betting: Home: 4/9, Draw: 11/4, Away: 6/1. Referee: J Stacey (Athlone).

Drogheda United v Bohemians

Victims of a very late goal again last week, Drogheda need a victory to restore a little bit of confidence and a whole string of wins if they are to save themselves from the drop.

They have steadily improved as a team but still struggle badly up front where Joe Gallen will prove a useful acquisition if he gets a few games under his belt.

Bohemians will certainly be wary of the big forward this evening as they will be without Maurice O'Driscoll (suspension) who was so commanding at the centre of defence in the win over Derry. "It's just something we have to cope with," says Turlough O'Connor who will be hoping that Paul Doolin will be declared fit before he has to juggle his team.

O'Connor also has Joe Hanrahan back in contention for a place in the starting line up but midfielder Tony O'Connor is unlikely to be ready in time for next week's Cup match with Cork.

Last two seasons: 1996/97: Did not meet; 97/98: Bohemians 1 Drogheda 1.

Recent league form: Drogheda: LLLDL; Bohemians: DLLWW.

Leading scorers: Drogheda: N Reid (three); Bohemians: Lawlor (six), Parkes (five).

Betting: Home: 9/2, Draw: 9/4, Away: 8/13. Referee: G Perry (Dublin).

Betting courtesy of Paddy Power