Previews

Today

UCD v Bray Wanderers (3.15)

IT WILL be hard to come down from the euphoria of Friday night, but Bray Wanderers manager Pat Devlin announced the "priority" is now to make themselves safe in the league before the FAI Cup final on May 9th.

The visit to Belfield won't be easy as the students are not totally clear of relegation worries themselves. Wanderers, however, are sure to be inspired and will be pushing hard for full points. Ciaran O'Brien is still doubtful after his bout of flu, but it is unlikely that any major adjustments will be made. Waterford's win three days ago pushed them one point above the bottom and Wanderers will want to be quick in responding.

UCD, meanwhile, held St Patrick's scoreless last time out and manager Tony O'Neill has a full and healthy squad at his disposal. A win here would go a long way to securing their Premiership status.

Last two seasons: 1997/98: Did not meet: UCD 3 Wanderers 1; Wanderers 0 UCD 0.

Recent league form: UCD: LDLDD; Wanderers: DDLDW.

Leading scorers: UCD: O'Byrne (six); Wanderers: Byrne (five).

Betting: Home: 10/11; Draw: 9/4; Away: 11/4.

Referee: D Hancock (Dublin).

Shelbourne v St Patrick's (5.30)

THE disappointment of their cup exit may have rocked the Shelbourne camp, but they are still holding third place in the table. The absence of Declan Geoghegan and Dave Campbell may have been obvious on Friday, but it was the defensive errors that proved most fatal. Even with the upset in Derry last week, their league record of late remains most impressive, especially at Tolka Park, and they can certainly bounce back with a good result here.

The injury concerns for Liam Buckley at St Patrick's remain, with captain Eddie Gormley still on the long-term injury list. They have seen Cork City move a point clear at the top following their win against Sligo on Saturday, although a win at this stage would ensure the title race can still be decided on the finish line.

Last two seasons: 1997/98: St Patrick's 2 Shelbourne 3, Shelbourne 0 St Patrick's 2; St Patrick's 0 Shelbourne 0; 98/99 Shelbourne 0 St Patrick's 1; St Patrick's 2 Shelbourne 1.

Recent league form: Shelbourne: WWWWWL; St Patrick's: DWDWD.

Leading scorers: Shelbourne: Sheridan (ten); St Patrick's: Gilzean and Mollot (12 each).

Betting: Home: 15/8; Draw: 2/1; Away: 11/8.

Referee: J McDermott (Dublin).