National League Previews

Tonight (7.30)

Drogheda United v Cork City

The home side will be forced into a couple of changes, as John Coady is suspended and Jamie Impey is recovered from a knee problem after several weeks out. Rod de Khors is still injured, though, and manager Martin Lawlor will look to blood youngsters Wayne Kelly and Derek Thorntan.

Dave Barry needs his side to reproduce the sort of form displayed against Sligo in the cup last week if they are to get their campaign for European qualification through the league back on track.

Noel Hartigan and Gareth Cronin (both ankle) are the main doubts, although Patsy Freyne was struggling again in training during the week.

Last two seasons: 1996/97: Did not meet; 97/98: Drogheda 1 Cork 2, Cork 1 Drogheda 1.

Recent league form: Drogheda: LLDLL; Cork: DLDWL.

Leading scorers: Drogheda: N Reid (three); Cork: O'Brien (seven), Cahill and Kabia (five apiece).

Betting: Home: 7 to 2, Draw: 9 to 4, Away: 8 to 11. Referee: P McKeon (Dublin).

Derry City v UCD

If the students can win this one, then City and Dundalk will find themselves increasingly embroiled in a three-way battle to avoid the relegation play-off, and their recent league form suggests that they might just be able to do it.

The visitors hope to be at full-strength for the trip north, although central defender Tony McDonnell is somewhat doubtful after picking up a foot injury in training on Thursday night.

Derry, meanwhile, have their usual string of problems, with James Keddy and Liam Coyle suspended, Robbie Brunton doubtful due to a toe injury, Tom Mohan ruled out by a cartilage problem and Gavin Dykes hoping to play despite continuing back problems.

Last two seasons: 1996/97: UCD 1 Derry 0, Derry 5 UCD 0, UCD 0 Derry 1; 97/98: Derry 1 UCD 1, UCD 1 Derry 2.

Recent league form: Derry: DLLLW; UCD: DLDWW.

Leading scorers: Derry: Keddy and Hargan (five); UCD: Sherlock (five), Griffin (four).

Betting: Home: 4 to 7, Draw: 9 to 4, Away: 9 to 2. Referee: J McDermott (Dublin).

Kilkenny City v Sligo Rovers

While the locals have little other than pride to play for at this stage, Sligo come to town with their eyes fixed firmly on a place in Europe. Their form would suggest they can be the ones to make sure, at the very least, of a place in the Inter-Toto cup by finishing third, although they will need to perform a good deal better than they did at Turner's Cross a week ago.

Player manager Nicky Reid and Paul Morgan are considered 50-50 due to hamstring problems, but both will almost certainly play as Padraig Moran and Aled Rowlands are ruled out by the same injury. Mark Hutchison is suspended and Lee Thew has a hip problem.

Steve Birks is also carrying a bit of a knock but should be okay, while Steve Jones, who performed poorly last weekend due to a bout of the flu, will be fully fit.

Last two seasons: 1996/97: Did not meet; 97/98: Kilkenny 0 Sligo 1, Sligo 2 Kilkenny 0.

Recent league form: Kilkenny: WDLLL; Sligo: DWWDW.

Leading scorers: Kilkenny: Hale and Kelly (three apiece); Sligo: Moran (seven), Jones, Hallows and Ogden (five apiece).

Betting: Home: 9 to 2, Draw: 5 to 2, Away: 4 to 7. Referee: J Casey (Waterford).

First Division

Leaders Bray visit Terryland Park, where the home side will be anxious to revive their hopes of snatching third place and a crack at promotion via the play-offs.

Pat Devlin's side have Alan Smith back from suspension, but Bo McKeever is out.

Waterford, meanwhile, bring a full squad to Monaghan where Tommy Lynch expects to be faced with some fairly determined opposition.

Betting courtesy of Paddy Power.