Tonight
Bray Wanderers v Dundalk, (7.45)
The battle to avoid the relegation trap-door intensifies, and this game may prove crucial. Wanderers, who have a game in hand, collected a rare away win in the last meeting between the sides some three months back.
Manager Pat Devlin has injury worries, most significantly goalkeeper John Walsh, who hurt his ankle in last weekend's scoreless draw at Dalymount. He is unlikely to play, although midfielder Alan Smith, who aggravated a shin injury also on Sunday, is expected to be fit. Devlin has added Stephen Gifford to last weekend's squad and welcomes Glen Brien back into the panel after a one-month ban.
The real concern in the Bray camp, however, is how to end their disastrous home record this season. You have to go back to October 17th to find their last home league win, when they somehow managed to put six past Waterford United.
Dundalk, meanwhile, can open a small gap on the bottom three and manager Jim McLoughlin is eager to make the most of the chance. "It's a vital period now with just six games left and everybody knows how important this one is," he says. "The final outcome of the league is still very much in our own hands, but if we lose this then a lot will depend on what happens elsewhere."
Shane Reddish returns from suspension to leave McLoughlin with a practically full strength squad, but Wanderers can use the home advantage to provide a much-needed victory.
Last two seasons: 1997/98: Did not meet; 98/99: Wanderers 0 Dundalk 0, Dundalk 0 Wanderers 1.
Recent league form: Wanderers: LDDLD; Dundalk: DWLDL. Leading scorers: Wanderers: Byrne (five), Dundalk: Ward (four). Betting: Home: 4/5, Draw: 9/4, Away: 3/1.
Referee: A O'Regan (Cork).
Shamrock Rovers v Bohemians (7.45)
Rovers haven't given up on their European ambitions, while Bohemians need the points just as badly to stay out of the trouble zone.
"We always look forward to playing Bohemians and this one should have some extra bite to it," says Rovers manager Mick Byrne. "We have six games left with 18 points to play for so there's plenty of opportunity to change things around a little."
Unfortunately for Byrne, he will be without some of his regular providers. Richard Purdie will miss another week or so through injury, while Tony Cousins and Brendan Markey are now likely to miss the rest of the season. Mark O'Neill and Mark Kenny are back from suspension, but there may be a noticeable lack of support for Jason Sherlock up front.
Bohemians did their situation a huge favour with the victory over St Patrick's two weeks back and holding Bray to a draw last time out. Still, Roddy Collins is by no means in the clear yet. Graham O'Hanlon, Robbie Brunton and Graham Lawlor are all back from suspension, although Graham Doyle is out injured. It's been almost three years since Bohemians have beaten Rovers.
Last two seasons: 1997/98: Bohemians 1 Rovers 1, Rovers 2 Bohemians 1, Bohemians 0 Rovers 1; 98/99: Bohemians 0 Rovers 1, Bohemians 1 Rovers 1.
Recent league form: Rovers LDDWL; Bohemians LLLWD.
Leading scorers: Rovers: Sherlock and Kenny (seven apiece), Bohemians: Swan (nine).
Betting: Home: 6/4, Draw 11/5, Away 6/4.
Referee: H Byrne (Dublin).
Sligo Rovers v Finn Harps, (7.35)
Harps are still in the hunt for third place and a win could put them within a point of Shelbourne. Last Saturday's crushing home defeat to St Patrick's didn't help matters, but they have a game in hand and the scoring ability to make it count.
Paddy McGrenaghan recently added his name to their goal scorers, while Jonathon Speak and James Mulligan have also proved well capable of finding the net recently. Manager Charlie McGeever has Gavin Dykes back into the squad from suspension although James Mulligan is doubtful through injury.
Sligo hang perilously close to the last two, leaving manager Nicky Reid to face another vital game. His injury list remains extensive with various ailments to Tony Callaghan, Lynch and Sheridan, as well as his own broken ankle which keeps him out of the action.
Last two seasons: 1997/98: Sligo 2 Harps 2, Harps 1 Sligo 1, Sligo 0 Harps 2; 98/99: Sligo 1 Harps 1.
Recent league form: Rovers: DLWDL; Harps: WWLWL
Leading scorers: Rovers: Hallows 7; Harps: Mulligan and Speak (8 each).
Betting: Home: 13/8, Draw: 11/5, Away: 11/8.
Referee: G Perry (Dublin). Betting Courtesy of Paddy Power.
First Division
Drogheda United have the opportunity to strengthen their position at the top of the table in their trip to Hogan Park to meet Limerick. They were disappointed to draw to Athlone last time out, but, with Galway United breathing down their necks, maximum points is what they are looking for.
Athlone Town and Home Farm Everton also have a vital clash in determining the outcome at the bottom end of things, while Longford Town can keep their chances alive closer to the top if they can overcome Limerick.
Fixtures: Athlone Town v Home Farm Everton (7.45), St Francis v Longford Town, Limerick FC v Drogheda United (both 7.30).
Kilkenny City's appeal against expulsion from the FAI Cup has been dismissed by the appeals board, although the original £2,500 fine imposed on the cub for failing to fulfil the fixture with Finn Harps has been reduced to £1,000.
