Shamrock Rovers v Bohemians
Richmond Park, 7.35 (live on Network 2)
An opportunity to renew the age-old Dublin rivalry, this time at Shamrock Rovers' temporary home, Richmond Park, in front of the RT╔ cameras. Rovers sit proudly atop the National League Premier Division and manager Damien Richardson has managed to negotiate a mini injury-crisis without losing any of the last five games.
Marc Kenny (injury) and Pat Scully (suspension) are definitely out, top-scorer Seβn Francis (hamstring) is doubtful as is Billy Woods (back) while Richardson is more optimistic that Greg Costello (calf) could make it. "We have come through a difficult time well enough. It is indicative of the huge progression that we have made from last year. We will be looking for the three points."
Bohemians have a doubt about the fitness of Avery John, but manager Pete Mahon confirmed that Alex Nesovic and Tony Folan would be available and that Mark Dempsey would re-sign from Shelbourne but not until Monday. The visitors will be motivated to avenge a 1-0 defeat by Rovers at Dalymount Park earlier in the season.
Last two seasons: 2000/2001: Shamrock Rovers 0 Bohemians 0; Bohemians 0 Shamrock Rovers 1; Shamrock Rovers 4 Bohemians 6. 2001-2002: Bohemians 0 Shamrock Rovers 1.
Current League form: Shamrock Rovers W D D W W; Bohemians: W D D L L.
Leading scorers: Shamrock Rovers (Seβn Francis 7). Bohemians (Glen Crowe 11)
Referee: J O'Neill (Waterford).
Galway United v Dundalk
Terryland Park, 7.45
Galway United boss Tony Mannion must put the off-field distractions to one side as his team entertain Dundalk in a bottom-of-the-table scrap (second-last versus third-last). Patience, character and determination are just some of the virtues required by Galway on and off the pitch and their supporters must realise that the implementation of a solid club structure can not happen over night and may just have a few bumps along the way.
On the playing front, Galway's only absentee is Billy Cleary who is suspended. The teams shared the spoils at Oriel Park earlier in the season.
Dundalk boss Martin Murray hasn't lost his sense of humour, despite his team's problems in recent matches. "Rumours of my demise have been greatly exaggerated. At the moment you might say that we as a team are in intensive care, but with the transfusion of a win tonight we might just be removed from the critical list."
Dundalk will be without the suspended trio of Aaron Callaghan, Donal Broughan and Chris Lawless but have no injury problems.
Last two seasons: 2001-2002: no corresponding fixtures. 2001-2002: Dundalk 1 Galway United 1.
Current league form: Galway - L W L L L. Dundalk - L L D L L.
Leading scorers: Galway United (Bobby Ryan 3). Dundalk (Ger Robinson 4).
Referee: A O'Regan (Cork)
