With Joey Malone sacked as manager last Friday, the confidence in Athlone Town can hardly be at the level necessary to upset Derry City tonight. They remain stuck at the bottom of the First Division with just one win from 16 games and even on home soil, it's going to take a major effort to gain any sort of advantage before the second leg.

Jimmy Greene has been put in control before a long-term replacement is finalised and he describes the current squad as young, enthusiastic, but somewhat inexperienced. Still, he believes all the players are looking forward to this game as an opportunity to put their current woes behind them.

"There's no doubt that we must have a go at them here," says Greene. "In that regard, we are very positive going into this game and want to get as much as we can before going up to Derry. It has been a very disappointing start to the league, but we're putting our problems behind us for this game."

Athlone will have the seasoned Conor Frawley back from suspension, and at 26, he's the oldest member of the squad. Adrian Carberry is also back from suspension. Colm Fortune is doubtful with injury, and Stephen Mullen remains a long-term casualty because of hamstring trouble.

Derry, with three League Cups this decade, have also had a slow start in the Premier Division and are currently trying to break into the top half of the table. However, manager Kevin Mahon has taken some fresh enthusiasm from the side's spirited display against Bohemians on Saturday.

"We'll travel in the right frame of mind for this," he says. "Our confidence levels have been boosted significantly by the performance last weekend."

Goalkeeper David Platt certainly seems to have recovered his form with an impressive game in that last outing, but a number of injury worries remain for Mahon, most significantly Sean Hargan (knee) and the long-term problems for James Quigley and Joe Harkin.

It's been 17 years since Athlone last claimed this title, and that came with two in succession, but even the small improvement against Dundalk last weekend is unlikely to provide the necessary inspiration. Expect City to take the lead ahead of the return leg next Wednesday.

Referee: P McKeon (Dublin).