National League Previews

Tonight

Galway Utd v Kilkenny - Terryland Park, 7.45

Ger Crossley is the only doubt for the hosts who will be aiming to avoid the humiliation of losing to the league's bottom club at home for the third successive time this season.

On the previous two occasions Don O'Riordan has blamed over-confidence for the defeats and so yesterday he insisted that City would start as favourites this time around. The reality is that United should and need to win.

Joe McGrath, meanwhile, says that he will use the opportunity to rest a few of his players and so Derek McGrath, Gavin Wilkinson and Dave Mulcahy are all likely to sit out the game while Raimond Roos and Brian Jackson are amongst those expected to get a chance to start.

Last two seasons: 1999/00: Did not meet; 00/01: Galway United 1 Kilkenny City 2, Kilkenny City 0 Galway United 1.

Recent league form: Galway United: L L W D D; Kilkenny City: D L D L L.

Leading scorers: Galway United: Lavine (nine); Kilkenny City: Rocha, Parkes, Murray, Mulcahy, McAreavy, McGrath, Kabia, carter and Byrne (one each).

Referee: P McKeon (Dublin).

Shelbourne v Finn Harps - Tolka Park, 7.45

The champions will be without the suspended Richie Foran while James Keddy is slightly doubtful due to a groin strain that has been troubling him through the week. Tony McCarthy and Pat Scully have both been showing signs of tiredness but, like Keddy, they are likely to play.

Jonathan Minnock is also suspended which "given the quality of their right-sided players," says Jonathan Speak, "it is quite a blow to us".

In his absence Trevor Scanlon will come into central defence with Shane Bradley switching to left back. James Morrow, the newly arrived striker from England, will start again after pleasing his player-manager during last week's debut against Cork.

Last two seasons: 1999/00: Finn Harps 0 Shelbourne 1, Shelbourne 1 Finn Harps 1, Finn Harps 2 Shelbourne 3; 00/01: Shelbourne 0 Finn Harps 1, Finn Harps 2 Shelbourne 2.

Recent league form: Shelbourne: W D L W W; Finn Harps: McHugh and Kenny (three each).

Leading scorers: Shelbourne: Foran (10); Finn Harps: L L L D D.

Referee: D O'Hanlon (Waterford).