National League Previews

Today

Derry City v Kilkenny City (7.30)

With Gavin Dykes injured and Sean Hargan starting a two match suspension, Felix Healy must make a couple of changes to the team that beat Dundalk last week but there is some consolation in the form of Robbie Brunton's return. He will probably start the game on the bench.

A win would boost City's hopes of climbing into the reckoning for the European slots and on the face of it that's what they should take from the game but Kilkenny manager Alfie Hale is hopeful that, with a more settled team than he has had all season, the visitors can start to turn things around a little.

Gareth Kelly, signed from Home Farm Everton, comes into the panel although his lack of match practice recently is likely to mean that he sits out the start of this evening's game. Paul Cashin and Ray Carolan who both came through last week's game unscathed will start.

Last two seasons: 1996/97: Did not meet; 97/98: Kilkenny 0 Derry 5.

Recent league form: Derry: WDLLW; Kilkenny: DLDLL.

Leading scorers: Derry: Hargan (five), Keddy and L Coyle (four apiece); Kilkenny: Hale (three).

Betting: Home: 1/8, Draw: 5/1, Away: 16/1. Referee: P Whelan (Dublin).

Sunday

Cork City v Sligo Rovers (2.0)

Having waited a long time to end a miserble run without a win, Sligo are now five matches unbeaten and last week's draw with Shelbourne when they game from behind showed a good deal of resolve.

That performance, manager Nicky Reid admits, was a help but, he says "it doesn't make it any easier going to Cork who are a good strong side and will make it very difficult for us." He is hopeful of having much the same panel available to him for the game although Lee Thew is struggling slightly with a bruised foot. Steve Jones is likely to be missing again due to a thigh strain.

Patsy Freyne has received treatment all week for a dislocated bone in his foot but probably still won't make it while goalkeeper Noel Mooney had a bout of conjunctivitis. Kelvin Flanagan and Phil Harrington stand by.

Last two seasons: 1996/97: Cork 1 Sligo 2, Sligo 1 Cork 4, Cork 1 Sligo 0; 97/98: Sligo 0 Cork 2.

Recent league form: Cork: DDDDD; Sligo: WDWWD.

Leading scorers: Cork: O'Brien (seven), Kbia and Cahill (five apiece); Sligo: Jones and Moran (five apiece).

Betting: Home: 8/13, Draw: 9/4, Away: 9/2. Referee: J O'Neill (Waterford).

St Patrick's Ath v Shamrock Rovers (3.15)

The home side rate four players as doubtful for this derby game but everybody, including the three players signed during the week, could be available for selection come tomorrow afternoon.

Rovers will definitely be without Tommy Dunne who is suffering from an Achilles tendon problem but Richie Purdy comes back from suspension prompting Mick Byrne to consider a minor reshuffle.

"We'll look at things again after training because with Tommy going out on one side and Richie coming in on the other, we'll have to look to get the balance right." This could well mean Rovers reverting to a three-man defence and five across the centre.

Last two seasons: 1996/97: St Patrick's 0 Rovers 0, Rovers 0 St Patrick's 1, St Patrick's 2 Rovers 2; 97/98: Rovers 0 St Patrick's 1.

Recent league form: St Patrick's: WDDLD; Rovers: WLDWW.

Leading scorers: St Patrick's: Gilzean (seven), Molloy (six); Rovers: Cousins (11).

Betting: Home: 8/11, Draw: 9/4, Away: 100/30. Referee: G Perry (Dublin).

UCD v Finn Harps (3.15)

The students may be unchanged for the visit of Harps after a solid performance against Cork last week in a match which most observers seemed to feel they might have gone on to win.

The same panel is available to the UCD management team who will be hoping that their frontrunners are a little more ruthless around the area this time out.

Harps, meanwhile, will have to juggle things a little as Stuart Gauld is starting a suspension. On balance, though, the news is good for Charlie McGeever who, while still without Jonathon Speak, does has Davie Dowling and Jonathon Minnock back in the reckoning. Both are likely to go straight into the starting line up.

Last two seasons: 1996/97: UCD 4 Harps 0, Harps 5 UCD 1, UCD 0 Harps 0; 97/98: Harps 1 UCD 0.

Recent league form: UCD: LDDLD; Harps: LWLLW. Leading scorers: UCD: Sherlock (four), Griffin and bennis (three apiece); Harps: Speak (eight), Mulligan (five).

Betting: Home: 7/4, Draw: 7/4, Away: 7/4. Referee: A O'Regan (Cork).

Betting courtesy of Paddy Power