Shelbourne assistant manager Alan Matthews has promised a sharp edge to tonight's televised top of the table clash regardless of the club's last meeting which resulted in two sending offs and two players being taken off on stretchers.

"We would like to have 11 players on the pitch at the finish," said Matthews, in reference to both Jim Gannon and Peter Hutton being red-carded as Rovers won the first meeting 3-0 at Tolka Park in September.

Rovers manager Damien Richardson has told Shelbourne to step aside as his club is set for a very bright future.

"Shels have been the team of the last decade," said Richardson, "but they will have to move along the platform a little because Shamrock Rovers are once more travelling in style. We've progressed enough this year and are in with the big boys now." Shelbourne wait on exciting young winger Wes Houlihan who has had the flu this week. Richie Baker's ongoing groin problem is not responding to treatment and he may need surgery. Brother Dessie is over a knee injury and, like Davy Byrne, also fit again following a knee injury, could be on the bench.

Last two seasons: 2000/2001: Shelbourne 2 Shamrock Rovers 2, Shamrock Rovers 1 Shelbourne 3, Shelbourne 3 Shamrock Rovers 1. 2001/2002: Shamrock Rovers 3 Shelbourne 0.

Current league form: Shelbourne: LWWDW; Shamrock Rovers: WWDWL.

Leading league scorers: Shelbourne: Geoghegan (six); Shamrock Rovers: Francis (eight).

Referee: J. McDermott (Dublin).

Betting: Home: 5/4; Draw: 2/1; Away: 2/1.

St Patrick's Athletic v Dundalk (Richmond Park, 7.45)

Garry Haylock makes his Dundalk debut following his move from Glentoran during the week with manager Martin Murray hoping he can be the final piece in the jigsaw that can steer the club away from relegation.

Former Shelbourne striker Haylock renews his schoolboy partnership in the Dundalk attack with fellow Bradford-born Alex Nesovic.

"I don't think there is any doubt that there are enough players of quality here to keep them up," said Haylock. Haylock comes in in place of David Ward who has gone on loan to Newry Town until the end of the season.

St Patrick's wait on striker Liam Kelly (ankle) and Kevin Doyle (calf) with midfielder Paul Osam once more giving cause for concern with a recurring knee injury.

Last two seasons: 2000/2001: Did not meet. 2001/2002: Dundalk 0 St Patrick's Athletic 2.

Current league form: Dundalk: LWDDL; St Patrick's: LLWDW.

Leading league scorers: Dundalk: Robinson (four); St Patrick's Athletic: Mbabazi (nine).

Referee: P. McKeon (Dublin).

Betting: Home: 4/9; Draw: 5/2; Away: 6/1.