FAI Cup: Semi-final

Galway United v Shelbourne (7.35, Network 2)

Both managers are close to full strength for this game with the cup-tied Fergal Coleman the only absentee for Galway and the suspended Garry Haylock the solitary omission from Shelbourne's squad.

For United the main question is who will partner Eric Lavine up front for while the Bahamian international's performances over the second half of the season practically guaranteed him his place after suspension, nobody has really managed to make the second striker's role their own.

Ollie Keogh, Michael Donnellan and Dave Golbey are the three contenders for the slot tonight, with Donnellan the favourite to actually start. Shelbourne, meanwhile, will almost certainly be unchanged from Sunday's 4-0 defeat of Sligo Rovers with Mark Hutchison retaining his place at left full and Pat Scully starting despite a calf strain.

With a large crowd expected at Terryland and the fact that the game is live on television and must start on time, United have appealed for supporters to arrive early. Tickets can be purchased from the kiosks at either the old waterworks on the Dyke Road or in the Menlo Park Hotel carpark. And only those with passes for the car-park will be able to bring their cars to the ground itself.

Route to last four: United: Beat St Patrick's away in replay, Athlone at home in replay and Finn Harps 3-1 away; Shelbourne: Beat St Francis away, Bangor Celtic away and Bluebell at home in replay.

Recent form: United: WDLLD; Shelbourne: DWWWW.

Betting: Home: 3/1, Draw: 2/1, Away: 5/6.

Referee: J McDermott (Dublin).

National League: Premier Division

St Patrick's Athletic v Waterford United (7.45)

After a good win away to Bohemians last weekend, St Patrick's have a couple of problems ahead of this evening's game. Packie Lynch (thigh strain) is doubtful and Alan McNevin is almost certainly out while Des Byrne and Robbie McGuinness are both on international duty with the Republic of Ireland's under-18s.

Brian Kerr's decision to enforce the five-day rule in the build-up to next Wednesday's UEFA play-off against France in Brest has angered Pat Dolan. However with a friendly lined up against the Irish junior team, Kerr is unlikely to relent.

The visitors, meanwhile, have suffered only one defeat in their last seven outings. United boss Mike Flanagan would presumably be a lot happier with the players who took on Cork City last weekend if they hadn't surrendered a two-goal lead, but with Dave Whittle (thigh strain) still the only one unavailable he is likely to stick with the same starting line-up.

Last two seasons: 1998/99: United 0 St Patrick's 2, St Patrick's 2 United 0, United 0 St Patrick's 20; 99/00: St Patrick's 1 United 0, United 3 St Patrick's 1.

Recent league form: St Patrick's: WDDLW; United: WWDLD.

Leading scorers: St Patrick's: Hallows (seven); United: D McGrath and Markey (three apiece).

Betting: Home: 4/9, Draw: 9/4, Away: 7/1.

Referee: A O'Regan (Cork).

Betting courtesy of Paddy Power