Tomorrow
Cork City v Waterford United (2.00)
Turner's Cross is bound to bring up some nightmares for Waterford United. They went down by five in October and the prospects for this encounter are equally challenging as Cork City will be turning up the heat on their title ambitions.
The surprise win over Shamrock Rovers last time out, however, temporarily lifted United off the bottom of the table, but unfortunately for them it was short lived. This game comes at a vital time for manager Mike Flanagan, although he does have a healthy selection to choose from.
"The only problem is an injury to Derek McGrath, but otherwise we're sticking to the same squad as last week," he says. Cork manager Dave Barry has a few injury worries. Captain Declan Daly is still out with hamstring trouble and he recently lost central defender Derek Coughlan. Dave Hill also suffered a leg injury against UCD last weekend as is doubtful.
"Waterford are coming in with two good results and seem to be getting their act together. . . It will definitely be a difficult game for us and I'll be more than happy to get the three points," says Barry.
Last two seasons: 1997/98: Did not meet; 98/99: City 5 United 0, United 0 City 2.
Recent league form: City: WLWWD; United: LLDLW.
Leading scorers: City: Flanagan (eight), Cahill (seven); United: Gannon (four).
Betting: Home: 4/9, Draw: 5/2, Away: 13/2.
Referee: J McDermott (Dublin).
St Patrick`S Athletic v UCD (3.00)
The question here is whether UCD can damage St Patrick's Athletic's title chances like they did Cork City's last weekend. "The previous games have all been tight contests," says St Patrick's manager Liam Buckley. "We know this game won't be any different, but our lads will be focused on keeping the pressure on Cork." The main loss to St Patrick's is captain Eddie Gormley, who remains on the longterm injury list, although Trevor Molloy is very much in form after bringing his goal total to 12 in Ballybofey last week and that could prove crucial as both St Patrick's and Cork have identical goal scoring records. UCD are not completely secure in the safety zone although manager Tony O'Neill is confident the good form of late can be maintained. "We've come so close to St Patrick's this season so this is also a big one for us," he says.
The only concern in the Belfield camp is over Tony McDonnell, who has been suffering with the flu, as well as the injury to Aidan Lynch in the Cork game last weekend. Both men are hoping to be fit by kick-off on Sunday.
Last two seasons: 1997/98: St Patrick's 1 UCD 1, UCD 1 ST Patrick's 1, St Patrick's 1 UCD 0; 98/99 St Patrick's 1 UCD 0, UCD 2 St Patrick's 2.
Recent league form: St Patrick's: DWDLW; UCD: WLDLD.
Leading scorers: St Patrick's: Gilzean and Molloy (12 each); UCD: O'Byrne (six).
Betting: Home: 4/7, Draw: 12/5, Away: 9/2.
Referee: J Feighery (Dublin).
Derry City v Shelbourne (3.15)
Dermot Keely seems to have found the perfect balance at Shelbourne and their seventh successive win last weekend sent them four points clear of their rivals for the third place league spot. Still, Finn Harps have a game in hand so the final outcome in that race is likely to come down to the wire.
His own satisfaction and the absence of injuries means the starting line-up will remain unchanged. "Everybody's doing their job so there is no reason to change things around now," he says. The news from the Derry camp is not quite as good. Manager Kevin Mahon will be without Sean Hargan (calf injury) and Gary Beckett (hamstring) and there is also a concern for Martin McCann who fractured his nose in the last outing. Shelbourne have always found it hard to win at The Brandywell and that may prove significant. Mahon is still thinking in terms of third-place and a result here is crucial.
Last two seasons: 1997/98: Derry 2 Shelbourne 2, Shelbourne 1 Derry 0, Derry 1 Shelbourne 2. 98/99: Derry 0 Shelbourne 1, Shelbourne 2 Derry 0.
Recent league form: Derry: DDDLW; Shelbourne: WWWWW.
Leading scorers: Derry: Coyle (eight), Sheridan (10).
Betting: Home: 13/8, Draw: 5/2, Away: 11/8.
Referee: R O'Hanlon (Waterford).
(Betting Courtesy of Paddy Power)
First Division
Kilkenny City face Cobh Ramblers with the sides only separated by goal difference in third position. Maximum points here could put the winners within a point of Galway United in second spot as well as within striking distance of Drogheda at the top. The list of Kilkenny injuries remains extensive, however. Galway United, meanwhile, can add more security to their second placing in the visit to Gortakeegan. The top spot is still very much up for grabs too. All of Don O'Riordan's squad have been given a clean bill of health although he won't be taking any chances.
Fixtures: Cobh Ramblers v Kilkenny City (3.00), Monaghan United v Galway United (3.15).
