National League Previews: Tonight (7.45)

Galway United v Kilkenny City

After a fairly erratic first couple of games, Galway boss Don O'Riordan would probably be happy for things to settle down a little this evening with a good solid performance and a narrow win the ideal result.

To be fair, they defended poorly against Finn Harps when winning 5-2 and it looked even then that a better team would cause them serious problems, which is, of course, what happened at Bohemians.

They'll be helped by the availability, after suspension, of Darragh Sheridan and, quite possibly, of Kieran Foley who has recovered more quickly than expected from an accident during the summer. Both will probably start this evening.

Kilkenny will field much the same team that drew with Rovers last weekend with Sean Murray the main doubt, although the 27-yearold did train lightly on Wednesday night and so Pat Byrne is optimistic that he will figure.

"So far the lads have been fantastic, I have no complaints," says the City manager. Over the next week or so I'd expect to bring in one or two players that are going to strengthen the panel considerably."

Last two seasons: did not play.

Betting: Home: Evens, Draw: 2/1, Away: 5/2. Referee: P Whelan (Dublin).

Shamrock Rovers v Longford Town (Richmond Park)

The striking options are broadened considerably for the home side's manager by the arrival in midweek of Tony Grant from Glenavon and the return from suspension of Brian Byrne.

Both will probably go straight into a side that has looked a bit toothless up front and which could do with getting a first win under its belt and Damien Richardson predicts that 23-year-old Grant, who has signed a three-year deal, will become one of the best strikers in the league.

Terry Palmer, who came off with a gash to his head during the Kilkenny game is a slight doubt for the hosts while Pascal Vaudequin will be missing again due to a thigh strain.

Longford's Stephen Kenny is still having to get by with several first-team regulars laid up, but, so far at least, the team seems to be coping fairly well with the step up.

Niall Byrne (foot), Paul Perth (ankle) and Stephen Kelly (foot) are all still out while Shay Zellor continues to suffer from an ankle problem but may have recovered sufficiently to play some part.

Last two seasons: did not play.

Betting: Home: 1/2, Draw: 9/4, Away: 6/1. Referee: H Byrne (Dublin).

Shelbourne v Finn Harps

The champions have a long list of injury concerns to cope with ahead of the visit of Harps, but still look like a daunting challenge for a side which is enduring a difficult start to their league campaign.

Aside from the long-term absentees, Stephen Geoghegan (stomach), Jim Crawford (back), Garry Haylock (knee) and Mark Hutchison (calf) are all struggling.

Richie Foran will probably start up front in his place while Davy Byrne may come into the midfield line-up, but Hutchison should be okay to start at left back.

Harps manager Gavin Dykes could well start both of his new central-defensive signings in an attempt to get a more solid-looking base on which to build the team's game.

Greg Challender and newly-arrived Neil Fitzhenry, who is on loan for a month from Chester City, could well start in place of Declan Boyle and Shane Bradley.

Elsewhere, the team will be much the same as started against Cork with Dykes just hoping that they can turn in a better performance.

Last two seasons: Harps 0 Shelbourne 1, Shelbourne 1 Harps 1, Harps 2 Shelbourne 3.

Betting: Home: 4/11, Draw: 3/1, Away: 6/1. Referee: R O'Hanlon (Waterford).