Finn Harps v Drogheda United
Stand-in manager Harry McCue has a couple of players back from injury for his first match in charge at United but a broader indication of the level of disquiet at the club is that David Nugent, Stephen Roche, John Butler and Derek Shevlin have all come off the transfer list. Greg O'Dowd and Gareth Byrne are available again for selection. Finn Harps have found it difficult to win games and having really blown it at United Park when these two sides last met, they should be especially determined this evening.
They will have to do it without top scorer James Mulligan while Tom Mohan has a groin strain and is rated as slightly doubtful but assuming the midfielder makes it then the return of Jonathon Speak for Mulligan up front may well be the only change.
Last two seasons: 1998/99: Did not meet; 99/00: United 3 Harps 2.
Recent league form: Harps: LWDDD; United: WLDLL.
Leading scorers: Harps: Mulligan (seven); United: Byrne (five).
Betting: Home: 4/5, Draw: 9/4, Away: 3/1. Referee: G Perry (Dublin).
Sunday
Cork City v Waterford United
The home side are still without the four players - Kelvin Flanagan, Patsy Freyne, Anthony Buckley and Gerald Dobbs - who missed the trip to Belfield last week. On the brighter side Derek Coughlan's return at UCD broadens Dave Barry's options at the back. United have their share of difficulties as Dominic Iorfa and Karl Gannon are still ruled out and top scorer Stephen Grant has family commitments. Derek McGrath is also still recovering from a foot injury. Barry Wood may well return to the starting line-up alongside Brendan Markey. Last two seasons: 1998/99: City 5 United 0, United 0 City 2, City 0 United 0; 99/00: United 1 City 3.
Recent league form: City: WWLLD; United: DLDDW.
Leading scorers: City: Morley (12); United: grant (four).
Betting: Home: 2/5, Draw: 5/2, Away: 7/1. Referee: P Whelan (Dublin).
UCD v Derry City
UCD manager Martin Moran was certainly encouraged by his side's draw with Cork last week when the students twice came from behind. The attempt to play with a sweeper in the first half of that game did not quite work out as planned and the expectation is that the Dubliners will revert to a flat back-four this time out. Tony McDonnell and Robert McAuley are out injured. Overall then, Alan Mahon switching back to left full back and Aidan Lynch returning to the team look the most likely changes.
Derry are still without Liam Coyle (knee) and Johnny McIvor (hamstring) while Paul Hegarty is suspended. Gary Beckett may replace Hegarty in midfield or partner Michael McHugh up front.
Last two seasons: 1998/99: UCD 2 City 2, City 2 UCD 0, UCD 2 City 1; 99/00: City 0 UCD 2.
Recent league form: UCD: DLLDD; City: LDLDW.
Leading scorers: UCD: Martyn (five); City: McIvor and McCaul (three apiece).
Betting: Home: 11/10, Draw: 9/4, Away: 9/4. Referee: A O'Regan (Cork).
Betting courtesy of Paddy Power.
