Cork City v Bohemians
John O'Flynn, Cork's hat-trick hero at UCD on Friday, is a major doubt due to a back strain. Colin Patrick O'Brien stands by. Right-back Neal Horgan (knee) and central defender Dan Murray (hamstring) expect to be fit. "Other teams feel we are the side to beat," says Bohs boss Stephen Kenny. "But we are mentally strong and won't fear going anywhere."
Stephen Caffrey should start in central midfield. Fergal Harkin and Robbie Doyle contest a place on the right side of midfield as Bobby Ryan is unlikely to be fit having injured a knee injury in Saturday's draw in Longford.
Derry City v Drogheda United
Derry's troubles continue as strikers Liam Coyle and Tommy McCallion will be out for up to a month with knee ligament damage. On the plus side boss Kevin Mahon was pleased with 18-year-old defender Mark McChrystal on his debut against Shelbourne. Gary Beckett returns from suspension to partner Padraig Moran in attack. Drogheda are without Pat Scully (calf), but hope to have Neil Tarrant and Che Bunce fit following flu.
"We need an all round improvement," said boss Harry McCue. "We were very poor in the second half against Waterford."
Shelbourne v Longford Town
League leaders Shels wait on captain Owen Heary (foot) and fellow defender Kevin Doherty (thigh), but both are expected to be passed fit to give boss Pat Fenlon a full strength side.
"I have to be happy with the way we've started," said Fenlon. " We have maximum points from the opening two games compared to last season when we got just one." Town have midfielder Vinny Perth back from a two-match ban while Stephen O' Brien should return in goal having missed Saturday's home draw with Bohemians due to flu.
Filed by Johnny Proby
