Premier Division
Bohemians v Shelbourne (Dalymount Park, 7.45)
Having thought they had stolen a march on their championship rivals after last week's results, Shelbourne had the gauntlet throw back at them by St Patrick's Athletic after the Inchicore side's excellent away win in Ballybofey on Monday saw them regain the leadership.
But the psychological battle resumes tonight with the chance for Shelbourne to snatch back a two-point lead. Shelbourne also have a game in hand (a not inconsiderable assignment at play-off threatened UCD on Tuesday), but they need a result, preferably a win, at Dalymount to reassert their slight favourites tag.
Bohemians have done their utmost to spoil their Dublin rivals' aspirations by not losing to either of the chief protagonists this season. Indeed, they've beaten Shelbourne twice already, while punishing St Patrick's tactical uncertainty by beating them at Richmond Park last Friday.
Bohemians success against the stronger sides (they've also not lost to Cork City) is no fluke. Injuries and suspensions have been the undoing of Turlough O'Connor's side, and the seven league games they've lost have all been by the odd goal.
"Bohemians will be disappointed they didn't go much better in the league," said Shelbourne manager Damien Richardson, "but they've caused us problems and have been the only side to beat us twice this season. They've been unlucky with injuries and suspensions and they showed, in beating St Patrick's last week that with a full side out they are a match for any team in the league."
Shelbourne also failed to beat Bohemians last season, but Richardson stresses that bogeys are there to be laid to rest. "The derby scenario also goes out the window at this stage of the season," added Richardson. "It's the result that matters and there are three points to play for, whether it's Bohemians or Sligo."
Shelbourne have received a setback, however, with the news that they could be without ball-winning midfielder Davy Campbell for the rest of the league after he was admitted to Blanchardstown Hospital suffering from suspected pneumonia. He has targeted the Cup final as his comeback match. Dean Fitzgerald will deputise.
Campbell's absence will create further problems for Richardson for their last game of the league campaign away to Dundalk, for which both Pat Fenlon and Dessie Baker are suspended. And that's something that has angered the Shelbourne manager.
"The National League disciplinary system is archaic. Those two players haven't missed a match all season and now, because of five bookings, they will miss playing in a potential championship winning match," said Richardson. "Other countries use a system whereby if you haven't received a booking for so many matches your slate is wiped clean."
After last week's success with a near full strength side, Bohemians are hit by suspensions again with both Maurice O'Driscoll and Derek Swan out for one match.
Recent league meetings: 1996/97: Shelbourne 0 Bohemians 1, Bohemians 1 Shelbourne 1, Shelbourne 0 Bohemians 1. 1997/98: Bohemians 1 Shelbourne 0.
Current league form: Bohemians: DWLWW; Shelbourne: WDDDW.
Leading league scorers: Bohemians: Lawlor (11); Shelbourne: S Geoghegan (14).
Betting: 2 to 1 Home, 11 to 10 Away, 9 to 4 Draw.
Referee: J O'Neill (Waterford).
First Division
Athlone Town v Waterford United (St Mel's Park, 7.45)
A win for Waterford will clinch their seemingly inevitable First Division title to go with their already achieved promotion.
Manager Tommy Lynch wants the title won tonight, and for all, players and supporters, to enjoy a night out in their last match of the season against St Francis at home next Friday night.
Lynch's plans have suffered a setback, after last weekend's two tiring games, with injuries ruling out himself (knee) and Padraig Dully (cracked ribs) for both games.
Right back John Power has flu, while teenager John Frost, a member of Brian Kerr's successful youth team in Portugal, is unavailable as he's playing for his school.
Tommy Hewitt will start in place of Dully in attack with Paul Scully is likely to slot in at right-back. Paul Carr and Mark Reid can expect a seat on the substitutes' bench.
Bray Wanderers v Cobh Ramblers Carlisle Grounds, 7.45)
A win for Bray would surely book their promotion and end the tentative challenge of Limerick, who will have to content themselves with their already achieved play-off spot, thanks to Galway's defeat at Athlone on Monday.
Strictly speaking, Bray need four points to be certain, but their goal difference is 19 better than Limerick's, so the three points tonight should be enough.
Manager Pat Devlin welcomes back winger Robbie Coyle who missed their win in Longford last week due to suspension.
Experienced defender Anto Whelan is doubtful due to work commitments, while Paddy Geraghty, the former Wayside Celtic striker, returns to the squad for the first time in four months.
Cobh's improved form under manager Ian Butterworth should mean there will be no repeat of the 7-0 trouncing Ramblers received in their last league meeting at the Carlisle Grounds in October.
