While only partly hiding his irritation that the consensus already has Cork City lined up as Shelbourne's championship successors, Derry City manager Stephen Kenny is determined to ensure his surprise package continues to keep the pundits guessing after the sides meet in a top-of-the-table clash at the Brandywell this evening.

Cork, unbeaten in 15 league games, are six points clear at the top after Monday's home win over Shelbourne. Derry are 11 points ahead of Shelbourne with a game more played, but finishing second isn't the height of their ambitions.

"My aim is to make sure we are still involved," said Kenny. "Many people are of the opinion that Cork are champions elect. We may have begun the season as 33 to 1 outsiders for the league but we are unbeaten in 14 games in all competitions. We've won seven and drawn three games in the league in the second phase since Cork beat us at Turner's Cross. We've improved as a team since then. How far we've improved, we'll find out (tonight)."

With both sides undoubtedly in form, Kenny sees no reason why the game shouldn't offer up a good spectacle.

"I'm hoping it will be an open game. Cork have kept it very tight over the last few games. When they go ahead they don't look like conceding. They are very solid defensively. But we are at home and have to take the initiative."

Kenny has full backs Damien Brennan and Seán Hargan, along with midfielder Alan Murphy, available again, though Eamon Doherty, Kevin Deery and Eddie McCallion remain sidelined with knee injuries.

Cork welcome back George O'Callaghan, who should come straight back into their midfield despite its excellent performances in his absence in Stockholm and against Shelbourne on Monday night.

Having lost to them at Turner's Cross, Shelbourne will hope for another Cork win as manager Pat Fenlon is resigned to the loss of his side's title with second place, and a crucial Uefa Cup place, his goal. A win over an injury-and-suspension-depleted Bohemians at Tolka Park would be a much-needed morale boost.

Stuart Byrne returns to Shelbourne's midfield, though Richie Baker, sent off late on in Cork, is suspended. "I may make one or two other changes, but nothing major," said Fenlon.

James Keddy and John Paul Kelly are suspended for a Bohemians side also without injured player/manager Gareth Farrelly, Stephen Rice, Seán Cooney and Mark O'Brien along with Dominic Foley, who remains in dispute with the club.

Clinging on to a place in Europe remains Drogheda United's aim, despite a run of six games without a win. That should end at home to Waterford.

Graham Gartland and Sami Ristila return from suspension to give Drogheda manager Paul Doolin options in midfield in the absence of Paul Bernard (calf).

David Breen and Vinny Sullivan are suspended while Kevin Waters (calf) is out for Waterford, who have Seán Finn returning from suspension.

Bray Wanderers wait on defender Stephen Gifford, who needed eight stitches in a head cut at Bohemians last week, for the visit of bottom side Finn Harps to the Carlisle Grounds. Midfielder Kevin O'Brien (groin) is also a doubt. Robbie McGuinness and Graham O'Hanlon are added to the squad, though Robbie Dunne is banned.

Shamrock Rovers have captain Trevor Molloy and Marc Kenny available following suspension for the visit of UCD to Dalymount. Willo McDonagh continues his suspension while Keith Doyle and Cathal O'Connor remain unavailable.

Brian Shortall comes into UCD's central defence in the absence of Conor Kenna who suffered ankle ligament damage training with the Ireland under-21s earlier this week.

PREMIER DIVISION (7.45 unless stated): Bray Wanderers v Finn Harps; Derry City v Cork City (7.30); Drogheda United v Waterford United; Shamrock Rovers v UCD; Shelbourne v Bohemians (8.0).

FIRST DIVISION: Limerick FC v Dublin City.