Cork Constitution v Blackrock, Temple Hill (4.30)
The home side are awaiting reports on Donnacha O'Callaghan, Frankie Sheahan and Anthony Horgan who picked up knocks while playing for Munster last weekend, but all are expected to play. Ronan O'Gara should line out but John Kelly's hamstring is likely to stop him from playing. Blackrock will be without Brian O'Driscoll and Nathan Turner.
Con enjoyed a fine win against Galwegians and, although the latter reclaimed top spot in the division at the weekend, the Cork club should overtake them once again. Blackrock produced a fine performance in defeating Terenure last time out, but should find today's game an altogether different prospect.
Last five games: Cork Constitution - W W L L W. Blackrock - W L W L W.
Leading try scorers: Cork Con - Craig Taylor five. Blackrock - Alan McGowan three.
Leading points scorers: Cork Con - Brian O'Meara 85. Blackrock - Alan McGowan 144.
Forecast: Cork Constitution to win.
Shannon v DLSP, Thomond Park (7.30)
Colm McMahon (operation on shoulder), John O'Neill (bruised ribs) and Peter Stringer (swollen ankle) are definitely out. Mick Galwey, John Hayes, Anthony Foley and John Langford will enjoy varying roles with at least two expected to start on the bench.
DLSP welcome back Mihai Vioreanu from international duty, Brian Hogan is included on the wing with Mark Cross at scrumhalf. Coach Phil Werahiko has included himself among the replacements.
Shannon need to win all their remaining matches and will covet a little revenge after losing to their opponents last season. Despite the absence of three top players, the Shannon youngsters have shown that they are capable of standing alone and should continue that trend.
Last five games: Shannon - D W L L L. DLSP - L W L L L.
Leading try scorers: Shannon - John Lacey seven. DLSP - Mihai Vioreanu four.
Leading points scorers: Shannon - Andrew Thompson 87. DLSP - D McCabe 39.
Forecast: Shannon to win.
Garryowen v Lansdowne, Dooradoyle (6.0)
Lansdowne's defeat by Belfast Harlequins at the weekend was something of a surprise and it will be interesting to see how they react this evening. There is no Shane Horgan (ankle), Liam Toland (shoulder) and Angus McKeen (not available) and that will hardly improve matters. In contrast Garryowen are likely to be at full strength including their Munster quartet, David Wallace, Tom Tierney, Killian Keane and Jeremy Staunton.
Lansdowne have proved obdurate opponents this season when the mood has taken them but with little to play for they might not be able to muster the same resilience. Garryowen, with more to sharpen the mind and focus upon, should prove too strong.
Last five games: Garryowen - D W D W L. Lansdowne - D W L W L.
Leading try scorers: Garryowen - Jeremy Staunton two. Paul Neville two. Lansdowne - Lorcan O'Brien two, Aidan McCullen two.
Leading points scorers: Garryowen - Jeremy Staunton 97. Lansdowne - David Quigley 75.
Forecast: Garryowen to win.
