Galway United v Bray Wanderers

(Terryland Park, 7.45)

Galway, desperate for a striker, will play Adrian Carberry, nominally a midfielder, in attack alongside Bobby Ryan as manager Dave Connell changes his 4-5-1 system used in last week's 3-0 defeat at St Patrick's Athletic.

Michael Quirke is still banned while Aidan Forde (shoulder) and Bobby Byrne (thigh) are also out. Seβn Malee and Nigel Keady, carrying groin strains, are expected to pass fitness tests.

The casualty list at Bray, who struggled against Galway last season, has not disappeared. Eddie Gormley and Jody Lynch will have fitness tests, but are unlikely to pass, while John Walsh, Dave Campbell, Davy Williamson and Marlon James are out.

Maurice Farrell is back from suspension and should resume at left-back.

Last season: Bray Wanderers 0 Galway United 1, Galway United 2 Bray Wanderers 2, Bray Wanderers 2 Galway United 1.

Referee: A. O'Regan (Cork).

Betting: Home: 7/4, Draw: 11/5, Away: 5/4.

Shelbourne v St Patrick's Athletic

(Tolka Park, 7.45)

Nothing like a tough Dublin derby to really focus the minds on the season ahead, according to Shelbourne boss Dermot Keely.

"We were poor against Monaghan and there are no excuses," said Keely of his side's 1-0 win last week. "European hangover talk is crap. It will be a lot easier to be switched on for a derby.

"They trounced us 4-1 last time out when we didn't do our work from corners and free-kicks. We must be sharp at defending set-pieces this time. I'm up for it and the players are as well."

Dessie Baker should have recovered from his calf injury to resume in attack alongside Gary Haylock. Central defender Jim Gannon is also fully over his hamstring strain leaving Keely to pick from Tony McCarthy, Peter Hutton and Gannon in the heart of his defence.

St Patrick's striker Ger McCarthy is carrying a knock but should be okay to play, while Robbie Griffin returns from suspension to the visitors' midfield.

"Shels are a team of all-stars and they have to win the league," said St Patrick's manager, Pat Dolan.

"I was pleased with our start last week but this is the real challenge."

Last season: St Patrick's Athletic 0 Shelbourne 2, Shelbourne 3 St Patrick's Athletic 1, St Patrick's Athletic 4 Shelbourne 1.

Referee: P. McKeon (Dublin).

Betting: Home: 5/4, Draw: 11/5, Away: 7/4.