National League Previews

Today

Sligo Rovers v Cork City (7.30)

Despite another missed opportunity at Turner's Cross last weekend, Cork can still go one point clear at the top of the league if they bring home maximum points from Sligo. Captain Declan Daly has still to shake off a hamstring injury and Mark Herrick is also an unlikely starter with a groin strain, otherwise manager Dave Barry has a healthy squad.

"We have everything to play for in this game," says Barry. "It was disappointing not to pick up the three points over Waterford last week, but I think we did all we could. I'd be worried if we weren't creating chances, but instead we're just not taking them. Still, we needed to win at home so this puts more responsibility in our own hands."

The relegation worries are by no means over in the Sligo camp, but a good result here could put them safe. They climbed above the play-off spot with the win over Finn Harps last week and still have a game in hand over Dundalk. Their recent strong home record may also provide the inspiration needed to lift them higher.

Manager Nicky Reid, however, has a few injury worries to contend with. Ian Lynch and Conor O'Grady were forced to miss training this week with leg injuries, but both are hoping to be fit. "We've had some good results at home lately and hopefully we can keep that going," says Reid. "Cork haven't been going that well but that could work against us because they will be up for this one."

Marcus Hallows increased his position as Sligo's top league scorer by adding his eighth last weekend after Mark Hutchinson had earlier put his name on the scoresheet. Cork won't be easy visitors but Sligo may just have the momentum to cause an upset.

Last two seasons: 1997/98: Sligo 0 Cork 2, Cork 1 Sligo 1, Sligo 4 Cork 1; 98/99: Sligo 0 Cork 2, Cork 1 Sligo 0.

Recent league form: Sligo: D D W L W; Cork: L W W D D.

Leading scorers: Sligo: Hallows (eight), Cork: Flanagan (eight), Cahill (seven).

Betting: Home: 5/2; Draw: 9/4; Away: 10/11.

Referee: J Feighery (Dublin).

Tomorrow

Bohemians v Dundalk (3.15)

Dundalk slipped back into the danger zone by losing to Bray last time out and this trip to Dalymount Park may prove crucial if they are to survive. Manager Jim McLoughlin once again has a full panel at his command, but the results have been slow to come.

They are now four games without a win, although McLoughlin remains satisfied with the commitment of the squad: "We'll keep travelling and keep trying, but this one will be difficult," he says. "There are a few of us in the same boat now and I feel we were unlucky not to have got a little more out of our last few games."

The two previous meetings this season have gone against them and having played the extra game over the bottom two, McLoughlin would value at least a point.

Bohemians can't afford to relax just yet despite their form being the more consistent recently. Tony O'Conner provided the well-deserved equaliser against Shamrock Rovers in their last outing, extending their unbeaten run to three, and manager Roddy Collins also has his full squad available.

"There are still six teams or so that could get in trouble, but I certainly don't want to get involved in any relegation play-off," says Collins. "I'm very happy with the players' form at the moment, but the mood here is to play every game as if you are winning the league and that's what we'll be doing again tomorrow."

Kevin Hunt makes his return from suspension along with Paul Byrne and with home advantage for Bohemians it won't be easy for Dundalk to find the much needed points.

Last two seasons: 1997/98: Dundalk 2 Bohemians 2, Bohemians 2 Dundalk 0, Dundalk 3 Bohemians 3. 98/99: Bohemians 1 Dundalk 0, Dundalk 0 Bohemians 1.

Recent league form: Bohemians: L L W D D; Dundalk: W L D L L.

Leading scorers: Bohemians: Swan (nine), Dundalk: Ward (four).

Betting: Home: 8/1; Draw: 12/5; Away 12/5.

Referee: G Perry (Dublin).

Betting courtesy of Paddy Power.

First Division

The question here is whether Drogheda United can increase their lead at the top as Galway concentrate on cup action this weekend. They could only manage one point from the visit to Limerick last time out and Monaghan's surprising result over Galway (ending their 17-match unbeaten run) will have them arriving in good form.

Cobh Ramblers are back in contention for promotion thanks to Paul Coghlan's continued scoring success and they can move ahead of Galway with a win over struggling Athlone Town. A depleted Kilkenny were twice the victims of Coghlan's footwork last weekend and face an important clash with Longford Town to keep their hopes alive. Home Farm/Everton have a chance to move into safer territory at the other end of the table if they can manage full points from Limerick's visit.

Fixtures - Tonight: Cobh Ramblers v Athlone Town, 7.0; Home Farm/Everton v Limerick FC, 7.30; Longford Town v Kilkenny, 7.30; Tomorrow: Drogheda United v Monaghan United, 3.15.