Derry City v Shamrock Rovers, (The Brandywell, 7.45)Technically, the home side still need four points to be sure of avoiding the relegation play-off, but a win this evening would more or less do the trick.

Their hopes will be boosted by the return of Gary Beckett, with the striker cleared to play alongside Liam Coyle for the cup holders' last two league games before having a knee operation. In defence, Joe Harkin is unlikely to start due to a knee problem, while midfielder Ciaran Martyn is ruled out by a hamstring pull.

Rovers, who simply need to match Cork City's points haul from the last two rounds of games in order to secure the InterToto Cup spot, will be without the suspended Shane Robinson, but Luke Dimech is likely to return to central midfielder having served a one-match ban last weekend.

Last two seasons: 2001/2002: Derry City 2 Shamrock Rovers 0, Shamrock Rovers 1 Derry City 1, Derry City 3 Shamrock Rovers 0; 20002/2003: Derry City 1 Shamrock Rovers 2, Shamrock Rovers 3 Derry City 1.

Leading scorers: Derry City: Hargan (six), Coyle and Martyn (five each); Shamrock Rovers: Hunt (11).

League form: City: L W L L W; Rovers: W L W W D.

Betting: Home: 13/8, Draw: 11/5, Away: 11/8.

Referee: D McKeon (Dublin).

- Emmet Malone