National League/Premier Division: Derry City's growing relegation fears make title-chasing Bohemians' trip to the Brandywell tonight all the more intriguing. But it's a situation visiting manager Stephen Kenny believes can only help his players concentrate more on the task in hand.
"Derry being such a tough place to go to does focus the minds of the players and that can bring out the best in them," said Kenny. "Derry's defeat to UCD on Friday makes this game even more difficult for us and from that point of view it should be a great game."
Kenny agreed his team was not at its best as they surrendered their new-found leadership of the table back to rivals Shelbourne with a lacklustre 1-1 draw at home to Waterford United on Friday.
"There is room for improvement on Friday, there is no doubt about that. There were some good things about us but also some average parts, so we are aware that we need to improve."
Selection problems threaten to disrupt Bohemians' game plan, with captain Kevin Hunt and Thomas Heary doubts with thigh strains while defender Colin Hawkins is nursing an ankle. Robbie Doyle, back from suspension, returns along with Fergal Harkin and Jason McGuinness.
Friday's loss to bottom-of-the-table UCD has placed Derry in a precarious situation, particularly considering their run-in includes Bohemians twice at home as well as difficult trips to Cork and Waterford.
With five games left, Gavin Dykes has told his players that they are effectively playing for their contracts for next season.
Captain Eamonn Doherty, Seán Hargan and Kevin Deery will require fitness tests ahead of selection tonight. Defender Paddy McLaughlin returns from suspension.
Third-placed Cork City travel to Waterford United seeking a first win of the season over their Munster rivals to strengthen their grip on the InterToto Cup place. But they needn't expect any favours from Jimmy McGeough's side.
"We match up well with Cork and I should hope they won't relish coming to play us," the manager said.
Midfielder Alan Reilly, absent with an ankle injury for their impressive draw at Bohemians, is Waterford's chief concern.
Cork are bolstered by the return from suspension of defenders Dan Murray and Greg O'Halloran, while midfielder Colin T O'Brien is fit following a bout of flu.
Drogheda United and St Patrick's Athletic still have much to play for ahead of their meeting at 02 Park. Drogheda's win at Longford on Saturday eased their relegation worries, while St Patrick's, six points behind Cork with two games in hand, still have ambitions of making Europe.
Paul Doolin, the Drogheda manager, is forced into one key switch in midfield due to Barry Molloy being banned following his late sending-off at Flancare Park. A straight swap with Darren Beesley coming into the team, or central defender Aidan Lynch returning in a reshuffle, are Doolin's likely options.
Right-back Steven Gough and midfielder Alan Reynolds are available to Shamrock Rovers again following suspension for a must-win game at home to Longford Town if their diminishing European hopes are to be revived.
Influential winger James Keddy and defender Pat Deans must prove their fitness having missed Friday's 2-2 draw at Cork City with flu.
Longford wait on winger Alan Kirby, who missed Saturday's disappointing home defeat to Drogheda with an ankle injury.
