Today's Previews
Bohemians v Cork City (4.0)
Dave Barry displays a hint of genius for understatement when he says that his side are going through a "bit of a lull", but whatever way you would describe their recent run of two points from 12 no one questions the need to start winning again.
The City boss must hope the current team can improve on their recent displays, for his options remain limited by a series of injuries which, while clearing up, promise to take their toll again for this trip to Dalymount.
Patsy Freyne is the main focus of attention; the influential midfielder is back training again and in with some chance of starting, but he is expected to face a late test on his knee.
Kelvin Flanagan, Gerald Dobbs and Anthony Buckley are all doubtful, as is Liam O'Brien who has a hamstring problem.
Bohemians are without the suspended Kevin Hunt.
Last two seasons: 1998/99: Bohemians 0 City 2, City 0 Bohemians 0, Bohemians 0 City 2; 99/00: City 1 Bohemians 1.
Recent league form: Bohemians: WDWLW; City: WLLDD.
Leading scorers: Bohemians: Crowe (seven); City: Morley (12).
Betting: Home: 6/4, Draw: 9/4, Away: 11/8.
Referee: J Feighery (Dublin).
Sligo Rovers v Finn Harps (5.0)
A win in this game would go some way towards easing the pressure for both teams. Harps' recent form is considerably stronger, but it is their boss who is the more unhappy of the managers: Gavin Dykes told his players on Tuesday, after the defeat by Derry, that unless there is a dramatic improvement soon there will be major changes in personnel at Finn Park.
The visitors are likely to be without Declan Boyle, who was carried off at the Brandywell after taking a bad knock to the knee, but Dykes should be back from suspension and injury.
Last two seasons: 1998/99: Harps 1 Rovers 1, Rovers 2 Harps 0, Harps 1 Rovers 1; 99/00: Harps 2 Rovers 1.
Recent league form: Rovers: WDLLL; Harps: DDDDL.
Leading scorers: Rovers: Moran (11); Harps: Mulligan (seven).
Betting: Home: 6/4, Draw: 11/5, Away: 6/4.
Referee: A O'Regan (Cork).
Waterford Utd v St Patrick's Athletic (3.15)
The champions travel to the Regional Sports Centre needing a win after two defeats in major Dublin derbies. Having decided to throw Liam Kelly straight into the team for the game last weekend, Buckley must now decide whether to change things around.
On the brighter side for the Dubliners, Willie Burke is finally available for selection after a long lay-off, but the St Patrick's boss may resist the temptation to bring him back until Trevor Croly's suspension kicks in in a couple of weeks. Paul Osam and Paul Donnelly are still injured. The home side will be without Karl Gannon (knee), and Mike Flanagan will have to wait before deciding whether Robbie Griffin has recovered fully from the knock he took against Cork.
Dominic Iorfa is back after his knee ligament trouble, though, as is Stephen Grant who was unavailable last week, so it's likely to be a completely different front line with Brendan Markey dropping out of the starting line-up.
Last two seasons: 1998/99: United 0 St Patrick's 2, St Patrick's 2 United 0, United 0 St Patrick's 0; 99/00: St Patrick's 1 United 0.
Recent league form: United: LDDWD; St Patrick's: DWWLL.
Leading scorers: United: Grant (four); St Patrick's: Hallows and McNevin (four apiece).
Betting: Home: 100/30, Draw: 12/5, Away: 4/6.
Referee: G Perry (Dublin).
Betting courtesy of Paddy Power
