Saturday

Finn Harps v UCD (Finn Park, 7.45)

Finn Park is hardly the place to be going when experiencing your first serious slump in form. But such is the prospect facing UCD, who make the long trek to Ballybofey hoping to avoid three successive defeats. Manager Martin Moran's worries are compounded by an injury to captain Aidan Lynch. A decision on his fitness will be made this morning. Harps reshuffle up front with Jonathan Speak out after straining a calf muscle in training this week. That poses little problem for player/manager Gavin Dykes who brings topscorer James Mulligan back after injury to partner Johnny Kenny in attack.

Last two seasons: 1998/99: Finn Harps 0 UCD 0, UCD 3 Finn Harps 0, Finn Harps 1 UCD 0. 1999/2000: UCD 1 Finn Harps 0. Current league form: Finn Harps: WLWDD; UCD: WDDLL. Leading scorer: Finn Harps: Mulligan (seven); UCD: Martyn (four). Referee: H Byrne (Dublin), Betting: Home: 6/4, Draw: 11/5, Away: 6/4.

Sunday

Cork City v Shelbourne (Turner's Cross, 2.0)

A test of resolve time for Cork as they strive for that elusive title. Roundly beaten 2-0 at Richmond Park last week, there is little respite as the team perceived as their main championship rivals bring their unbeaten record to Turner's Cross. Cork manager Dave Barry could certainly have wished for a squad in finer fettle as he sweats on team selection.

Patsy Freyne is very doubtful after twisting a knee at Inchicore while Kelvin Flanagan and Anthony Buckley, with respective groin and hip injuries, are struggling for fitness. Gareth Cronin, substituted last week for tactical reasons, should come back in at left-back.

Shelbourne left-back, Declan Geoghegan, who has struggled with calf and groin strains in recent weeks is okay with manager Dermot Keely passing goalkeeper Steve Williams fit to start after he was taken off at half-time in last week's below par performance against Finn Harps with a back strain.

As if Cork needed reminding, the strength in depth of Shelbourne's squad was shown yesterday when they could afford to off load two strikers. Liam Kelly is apparently on his way to Newry Town while John Powell has joined Drogheda United on a month's loan. Keely's faith in Stephen Geoghegan and Garry Haylock finally hitting it off would appear to remain unequivocal.

Last two seasons: 1998/99: Cork City 2 Shelbourne 1, Shelbourne 3 Cork City 3, Cork City 2 Shelbourne 1. 1999/2000: Shelbourne 3 Cork City 2. Current league form: Cork City: LWWWL; Shelbourne: DDWWD. Leading scorers: Cork City: Morley (11); Shelbourne: Fenlon and Haylock (three each). Referee: J McDermott (Dublin). Betting: Home: evens, Draw: 9/4, Away: 9/4.

Drogheda Utd v Derry City (United Park, 3.15)

John Powell, on a month's loan from Shelbourne, comes straight into Drogheda's depleted side.

The 23-year-old striker looks set to partner Fergal Coleman in attack as manager Martin Lawlor looks to build on recent good form.

Gerry Boyle returns having missed last week's draw with Sligo to help Lawlor pick a side decimated by the triple suspension of James Impey, Darren O'Keeffe and Stephen Roche.

Liam Coyle is back for Derry and will lead the attack with Gary Beckett. "This is a match we are coming to win," said Derry manager Kevin Mahon. Last two seasons: 1998/99: did not meet. 1999/2000: Derry City 0 Drogheda United 2. Current league form: Drogheda United: LLWLD; Derry City: LWLDD. Leading scorers: Drogheda United: M. Byrne (five); Derry City: McIvor (three). Referee: D. Hancock (Dublin). Betting: Home: 7/4, Draw: 9/4, Away: 5/4.

Galway Utd v Waterford Utd (Terryland Park, 2.0)

It may be tight at the top but the battle at the bottom is just as volatile as both these sides jockey to pull clear of the relegation zone.

The relief around Terryland Park after last week's first home win of the season - and their first win anywhere in nine games - was palpable.

Galway have Kieran Foley back from suspension leaving O'Riordan to decide if he needs to change a makeshift central defensive partnership of Scott Morgan and Brendan O'Connor.

Neil Ogden's adequate debut may be enough to keep a fit again Gareth Gorman out of the side. Waterford expect to start with Brendan Markey coming in to partner Stephen Grant in attack.

Last two seasons: 1998/99: Did not meet. 1999/2000: Waterford United 1 Galway United 2. Current league form: Galway United: LDLLW; Waterford United: LWDLD. Leading scoreres: Galway United: Clery and Keogh (four each); Waterford United: Gannon (three). Referee: T. Tully (Cork). Betting: Home: 4/5, Draw: 9/4, Away: 3/1.

Shamrock Rovers v Bohemians (Morton Stadium, 2.0)

Graham Lawlor plays against his former club for the first time eager to make an impression in a Dublin derby with the added incentive of making ground on leaders Cork and Shelbourne there for the winners.

Rovers' injury worries have only marginally improved with the inspirational Billy Woods back in training after his foot injury. Club captain Derek Tracey is still sidelined with a rib injury, however, while Tony Cousins underwent surgery on a knee yesterday and will be out for several weeks. Bohemians are scarcely better off with Glen Crowe (groin) and Robbie Brunton (pelvic problem) both still doubtful while Shaun Maher, who has had a chest infection this week, manager Roddy Collins' biggest worry.

Last two seasons: 1998/99: Shamrock Rovers 3 Bohemians 0, Bohemians 1 Shamrock Rovers 1, Shamrock Rovers 1 Bohemians 1. 1999/2000: Bohemians 1 Shamrock Rovers 3. Current league form: Shamrock Rovers: DWLWD; Bohemians: WLLWD. Leading scorers: Shamrock Rovers: Woods (six); Bohemians: Crowe (six). Referee: A O'Regan (Cork). Betting: Home: 7/4, Draw: 2/1, Away: 11/8.

Betting courtesy of Paddy Power.