Bohemians v Cork City (Dalymount Park, 7.45)
James Mulligan, a mid-week buy from Finn Harps, comes in for his debut as Cork, with just two goals in their last five competitive games, try to overcome their goal-shyness.
"I've been impressed by what I've seen of James," said Cork manager Derek Mountfield, "and hopefully he can be an asset to the club." The 26-year-old Mulligan will move to in Cork after signing a three year contract.
Morley (hamstring) and defender Stephen Napier (knee and Back) are doubtful starters. Bohemians are without the suspended Trevor Molloy and Darren O'Keeffe, who has an injured foot. Central defender Shaun Maher continues to struggle with the back strain he sustained in their UEFA Cup first leg clash with Aberdeen. Dave Morrison comes in on the leftside of midfield for Mark Dempsey, who is out for six weeks after suffering a stress fracture.
Last season: Cork City 1 Bohemians 1, Bohemians 3 Cork City 0, Cork City 2 Bohemians 1.
Current league form: Bohemians: DWW; Cork City: WWD.
Referee: J. Stacey (Athlone).
Betting: 11/8 home, 7/4 draw, 15/8 away.
Bray Wanderers v Galway Utd (Carlisle Grounds, 7.45)
Bray hope to be unchanged from the side dubbed unlucky by manager Pat Devlin not to have won in Cork last week as they strive to maintain their excellent start to the campaign.
"We don't have the pressures we had in previous years because we've a better squad," says Devlin. "The team is far more balanced and I feel we have a chance of doing okay."
Jody Lynch and Stephen Fox remain sidelined with injuries. Ciaran Ryan, Barry O'Connor and Alan Byrne are added to the panel.
Galway have no injury worries, just bruised pride after two bad defeats. Manager Don O'Riordan hopes to be in a position to sign two forward players early next week in a bid to strengthen his squad.
Last season: Did not meet.
Current league form: Bray Wanderers: WWD; Galway United: WLL.
Referee: P. McKeon (Dublin).
Betting: 8/15 home, 9/4 draw, 11/2 away.
Finn Harps v Shamrock Rovers (Finn Park, 7.45)
Gavin Dykes, the Finn Harps manager, has already begun his search for a replacement for striker James Mulligan, sold to Cork this week.
Right-back Tom Mohan is struggling with a back injury so Declan Boyle, dropped last week, is set to replace him.
Pascal Vaudequin is still absent for Rovers due to a thigh strain so Marc Kenny continues on the right side of midfield.
Left winger Billy Woods has a slight hamstring strain but is expected to be fit. Graham Lawlor underwent his Achilles operation yesterday while Tony Cousins, recovering from knee surgery, is scheduled to play a reserve match next week.
"We've done particularly badly at Finn Park in recent seasons so we're keen to come home with something tangible this time," said Rovers' manager Damien Richardson.
Last season: Shamrock Rovers 3 Finn Harps 1, Finn Harps 1 Shamrock Rovers 0, Shamrock Rovers 3 Finn Harps 3.
Current league form: Finn Harps: LLW; Shamrock Rovers: DDW.
Referee: E Barr (Dublin).
Betting: 7/4 home, 15/8 draw, 11/8 away.
St Patrick's Ath v Shelbourne (Richmond Park, 7.45)
Hard to imagine the respective champions from the last two years, playing out of the relegation places with just one win between them, even at this early stage of the season.
Shelbourne manager, Dermot Keely, postponed a fact-finding mission to Trondheim this week in order to sort out the problems that have seen his side lose two of their opening three games.
Striker Stephen Geoghegan is still out but Garry Haylock, Mark Hutchison and Jim Crawford return to the squad with Keely promising changes to the side that lost at home to Finn Harps last week.
St Patrick's wait on striker Michael Holt (Achilles) and Robbie McGuinnes (calf). Ian Gilzean has re-signed for the club from Shelbourne and goes straight into the squad.
Last season: St. Patrick's Athletic 1 Shelbourne 1, Shelbourne 1 St. Patrick's Athletic 0, St. Patrick's Athletic 1 Shelbourne 2.
Current League form: St. Patrick's Athletic: LDD; Shelbourne: LWL.
Referee: J Feighery (Dublin).
Betting courtesy of Paddy Power.
