Today
Finn Harps v Dundalk (7.30)
Just when Jim McLaughlin probably thought things had bottomed out for his Dundalk side, there was another setback this week when Noel Melvin went into hospital with appendicitis.
Melvin was one of five players to have appeared in every game for Dundalk this season and his loss, particularly after the success of his recent switch to the centre of defence, will further hinder the Lillywhites as they try to dig themselves out of trouble.
The arrival from Newry of Michael Harte, a left-sided player with some experience, will cushion the blow but, with Peter Withnell, Brian Byrne and David Hoey out too, McLaughlin knows that more bodies are needed.
Harps are back to full strength, as Davie Dowling returns following suspension and Eamon Kavanagh plays his last game before starting a suspension.
Last season: Dundalk 2 Harps 0, Harps 0 Dundalk 1, Dundalk 2 Harps 1.
Recent league form: Harps: WDWLL; Dundalk: DLLLW.
Leading scorers: Harps: Mulligan (5); Dundalk: Withnell (3).
Referee: P Whelan (Dublin).
Sligo Rovers v Derry City (7.30)
Sligo's remarkable habit of drawing games looked to be a real problem until a few weeks ago when they started to lose them, and so last week's stalemate with Bray was actually rather welcome.
As usual Nicky Reid must cope with forced changes, although the reshuffle shouldn't be too great as Steve Jones is the only player out through suspension. Steve Birks returns and Brian Hetherston is a chance to get over the flu, but some redeployment will be necessary. In the longer term, the news that Padraig Moran must have a cruciate ligament operation is another setback.
Kevin Mahon will stick pretty closely to the team that got him off to a winning start last week against Finn Harps. Michael McHugh is a chance to have recovered from an achilles tendon strain but, having been out for a few weeks, the striker would most likely start on the bench.
Last season: Sligo 3 Derry 0, Derry 0 Sligo 0, Sligo 1 Derry 1.
Recent league form: Sligo: DDLLD; Derry: LWLDW.
Leading scorers: Sligo: Shannon (4); Derry: Hargan, L Coyle and McHugh (3).
Referee: P McKeon (Dublin).
Tomorrow
Cork v Shamrock Rovers (2.0)
City go in search of their ninth straight home win of the season against the club who did them a considerable favour at Tolka Park last weekend. The Rovers' defeat of St Patrick's has handed the championship advantage to the southerners and Dave Barry will be hoping that his men can keep up the pace.
With John Caulfield and Noel Hartigan both scoring in the controversial win over Shelbourne last week, Barry must make some tough choices for, while Gerald Dobbs is still struggling with a shoulder injury, Pat Morley is now available.
Full back Gareth Cronin will be out for a month after having a cartilage operation earlier this week and so there is likely to an opening in midfield as Brian Barry Murphy switches to the defence. Kelvin Flanagan, fit again after a hamstring problem, will probably fill the gap.
Rovers will be without Jason Sherlock again so Brian Morrisroe will start up front with Tony Cousins while Richie Purdy, back from suspension, is likely to come in for Matt Britton, who is starting a suspension.
Last season: Rovers 1 Cork 3, Cork 2 Rovers 1, Rovers 2 Cork 2.
Recent league form: Cork: WWWLW; Rovers: DWLWW.
Leading scorers: Cork: Cahill (5); Rovers: Cous ins (3).
Referee: R O'Hanlon (Waterford).
UCD v Bohemians (3.15)
Tony McDonnell is once again the home side's greatest concern after coming down again with the back injury that kept him out for three weeks before last week's return against Dundalk.
While Theo Dunne remains hopeful that McDonnell might figure, it seems more likely that Eamon McLoughlin, unavailable last week, will return.
The visitors may make a change or two at the back as Donal Broughan and Robbie Brunton are back in contention after completing suspensions.
Derek Swan's groin injury remains a concern but Turlough O'Connor and Rod dy Collins are likely to stick with their most experienced striker if he shows even the same level of fitness as last week, when he started but couldn't get all the way through the game against Waterford.
Last season: Bohemians 0 UCD 0, UCD 2 Bohemians 1, Bohemians 2 UCD 0.
Recent league form: UCD: LWLDL; Bohemians: LWWLL.
Leading scorers: UCD: Bennis (3); Bohemians: Swan (4).
Referee: A O`Regan (Cork).
First Division
Kilkenny will be hoping to repeat their 3-1 success over Longford of a few weeks ago when they travel to St Mel's Park for tonight's match of the round.
But after recent victories at Cobh and Drogheda, Longford have become the team to beat in the promotion race.
This evening Longford will be close to full strength - Kenny Lundy is still out with a torn hamstring - and the team should be much the same as the one that beat St Francis 2-0 last weekend.
City will start with much the same team that finished against Cobh. Michael Reddy, Davie Walsh and Richie Hale have retained their places after coming on in that game, but Paul Devereux may return for Robert Walsh, who is thought to be doubtful because of flu.
In tonight's other games Athlone travel to Cobh Ramblers (with a 7 p.m. kick-off), and Home Farm Everton are expected to give debuts to their American signings, central defender John Molet and goalkeeper Randy Clarke, both of whom have just completed an indoor season with the Pensacola Flyers.
