Drogheda v Dundalk (7.45)
The trip to Oriel, reckons Drogheda manager, Martin Lawlor, was the match when he felt that things were about to turn in his side's favour. His side dominated for the best part of the game, had the greater number of chances and, but for a goalkeeping error would have travelled home with all three points.
Since then, however, Drogheda have picked up just three points from 10 games and their first league victory of the season still eludes them. A terrible return despite several much improved performances.
Scoring goals, they got just four in those 10 games, remains a major problem for the club and although Joe Gallen has looked sharp since his return from England, Noel Reid remains the side's top scorer with just three to his name.
In terms of effort there is no faulting the club, their performance in the cup replay at Tolka Park contained a lot of good things but when the couple of chances that came their way were squandered, they were once again made to pay the price.
Lawlor is likely to keep faith with the team that played that night although he must wait to see if Martin Beggs recovers from a bruised shin in time to play.
Dundalk, meanwhile, will be without Shane Reddish who is suspended and Paul Carlyle is likely to return to the visiting side's midfield. Raymond Campbell continues to edge towards full fitness again but is still probably a little short of readiness while Ian Ferguson will be out for several weeks with knee ligament problems and the club may look to bring somebody in as a short-term replacement.
Last two seasons: 1996/97: Did not meet; 97/98: Dundalk 1 Drogheda 1.
Recent league form: Drogheda: LDDLL; Dundalk: WLDWL.
Leading scorers: Drogheda: N Reid (three); Dundalk: Melvin and Byrne (five apiece).
Betting: Home: 3/1, Draw: 9/4, Away: 4/5. Referee: P McKeon (Dublin).
Shelbourne v Bohemians (7.45)
With 11 points from 15 in their last four outings, Bohemians are one of the form teams at the moment although they need to keep it going for a while yet if they are salvage something from the season by qualifying for Europe.
Games against Drogheda and Kilkenny account for four of the points but, more impressively, they have put away both Dundalk and Derry at Dalymount over the past weeks while St Patrick's Athletic should have been similarly dispatched a week ago.
The return of Tony O'Connor, who filled in well at left full last week, has eased Turlough O'Connor's selection worries considerably while in another week or two Tommy Byrne should be figuring in the shake up again.
Given the way his team played last week, though, O'Connor will probably be happy to stick with the same starting line with Peter Hanrahan in midfield and Eoin Mullen partnering Maurice O'Driscoll at the heart of the defence.
Shelbourne, on the other hand, may have to make a couple of changes from the side that drew in Sligo. Greg Costello, Dean Fitzgerald, Dessie Baker and Dave Campbell are all carrying knocks in the wake of that game and all are rated as doubtful. But Declan Geoghegan who returned to action in Sligo as a substitute is back in contention for a regular spot.
Richardson is reluctant to speculate on who will come in as he is still hoping that most will end up being fit enough to play a part but new signing Stuart Connolly comes straight into the reckoning following his arrival yesterday from Tranmere.
Last two seasons: 1996/97: Shelbourne 0 Bohemias 1, Bohemians 1 Shelbourne 1, Shelbourne 0 Shelbourne 1; 97/98: Bohemians 1 Shelbourne 0.
Recent league form: Shelbourne: LWDWD; Bohemians: WDWWD.
Leading scorers: Shelbourne: S Geoghegan (12), Scully (nine); Bohemians: Lawlor (six).
Betting: Home: 5/6, Draw: 9/4, Away: 3/1. Referee: H Byrne (Dublin).
Betting courtesy of Paddy Power
