Saturday
Sligo Rovers v Shamrock Rovers (7.30)
New manager Tommy Cassidy is still finding his feet at the Showgrounds and is also some way short of a full-strength side as they head into his first home game in charge. Paul Bonner, Glen Shannon and Keith Gilroy are all ruled out of this evening's game by injury while Ian Rossiter, Dale Gray and Steve Birks are doubtful for the visit of the somewhat erratic Dublin club.
"I was pleased with last week's performance," said Cassidy, "but what we have here is a small and young squad which is not what you want for a league like this. You're left to envy St Patrick's, Cork and Shelbourne who have so many experienced players in their squads. Still, when we're closer to full-strength I think we'll cause problems for quite a few teams."
Damien Richardson could do with having a full-strength panel to choose from, but there is still no sign of Tony Cousins or Billy Woods returning. Derek Tracey, Jason Colwell and Graham Lawlor are also carrying knocks going into this game.
Last two seasons: 1998/99: Sligo 2 Rovers 3, Rovers 1 Sligo 1, Sligo 1 Rovers 0; 99/00: Rovers 4 Sligo 1.
Recent league form: Sligo: DLWDL; Rovers: WLWDL.
Leading scorers: Sligo: Moran (eight); Rovers: Woods (six).
Betting: Home: 2/1, Draw: 11/5, Away: 11/10.
Referee: T Tully (Cork).
Sunday (3.15)
Bohemians v Galway United
With his side still suffering a little at the back, Roddy Collins yesterday added another new face to the Bohemians camp when right-sided central defender Tony Witter arrived in town ahead of tomorrow's visit of Galway. Witter, formerly of Millwall, Oxford and Scunthorpe, may well start as might Eoin Mullen, who has paid in recent weeks for his nightmarish performance against Sligo Rovers. The changes are prompted by the absence of Avery John (suspension) and Shaun Maher (chest infection).
United, meanwhile, will be anxious to build on their recent improvement and will be hopeful that Bohemians make trouble for themselves again against one of the strugglers (Waterford beat them in Dublin and Sligo might well have). Kieran Foley is available again but is unlikely to dislodge Brendan O'Connor or Scott Morgan at the heart of the defence but Eddie Hickey misses the trip through suspension and will be replaced by 19 year-old local David Forde.
Last two seasons: 1998/99: Did not meet; 99/00: United 1 Bohemians 2.
Recent league form: Bohemians: LLWDW; United: DLLWD.
Leading scorers: Bohemians: Crowe (six); United: Keogh and Clery (four apiece).
Betting: Home: 4/9, Draw: 11/4, Away: 11/2.
Referee: P Whelan (Dublin).
Derry City v Finn Harps
It's been a good week for Derry as their former defender who is now manager of Harps, Gavin Dykes admits. "A great win in Drogheda with 10 men and then winning the League Cup in midweek should have them on a high all right," he said, before insisting that his team are capable of beating their old rivals anyway.
The City injury list should certainly help the visitors's with James Quigley and Joe Harkin joined on the sidelines by Johnny McIvor (hamstring), Paul Hegarty (knee) and probably Peter Hutton (knee). Liam Coyle is doubtful with a knee problem, but if fit he will partner the returned Michael McHugh up front. If not then Darren McCaul will come in. Gary Beckett will fill in for Hegarty in midfield while Paddy McLaughlin is Hutton's likely replacement.
Harps, meanwhile, have James Mulligan suspended but if everything goes to plan the only change from last week will be the return of Jonathon Speak up front. With Dykes (groin), Speak (calf) and Tom Mohan (groin) all rated as doubtful, however, there may have to be some last-minute juggling.
Last two seasons: 1998/99: City 2 Harps 1, Harps 2 City 2, City 1 Harps 1; 99/00: Harps 1 City 1.
Recent league form: City: LDLDW; Harps: LWDDD.
Leading scorers: City: McIvor and McCaul (three each apiece); Harps: Mulligan (seven).
Betting: Home: 4/5, Draw: 9/4, Away: 3/1.
Referee: J McDermott (Dublin).
UCD v Cork City
City return to Dublin on the crest of a mini-slump. Defeats against their main rivals for the title have robbed them of the lead at the top of the table and now they come up against a side that has a surprisingly good record against them. They'll have to do it without Patsy Freyne and Kelvin Flanagan (both knee injuries) while Anthony Buckley (hip) and Gerald Dobbs (back) will probably probably miss out too.
"I can't remember the last time we produced two displays back-to-back the way we have in the last couple of weeks," said City manager Dave Barry. "What we have to do this weekend is get back to our good habits, doing the simple things well, but it won't be easy . . . Belfield has been a hard place for us over the last few years."
The students have problems of their own, with Aidan Lynch (flu), Tony McDonnell (toe) and Eoin Bennis (virus) all doubtful.
Last two seasons: 1998/99: UCD 0 City 1, City 1 UCD 2, UCD 2 City 2; 99/00: City 1 UCD 0.
Recent league form: UCD: DDLLD; City: WWWLL.
Leading scorers: UCD: Martyn (four), Lynch (three); City: Morley (11).
Betting: Home: 7/4, Draw: 9/4, Away: 5/4.
Referee: G Perry (Dublin).
