Cork City v Bohemians: Cork City striker John O'Flynn will miss tonight's clash with Bohemians and is expected to be out of action for up to six week after a scan confirmed damaged ligaments in his right knee suffered in the 1-1 draw at UCD on September 7.
Denis Behan is set to partner George O'Callaghan up front against in-form Bohemians. Alan Bennett also comes into the side in central defence for the suspended Derek Coughlan.
Bohemians have selection worries of their own with Thomas Heary, Damien Lynch, Colin Hawkins and Mark Rutherford all likely absentees with injury. To add to boss Stephen Kenny's problems, Paul McNally is suspended, while Stephen Ward is in San Marino with the Ireland Under-19s.
Shamrock Rovers v UCD: Injury and suspension hamper Pete Mahon's team selection ahead of his first game is charge of UCD. Patrick Sullivan and Darragh Ryan are banned while Tony McDonnell, Patrick McWalter and Alan Gallen are out with injury. Hugh Davey returns from international duty with Northern Ireland. "It's a huge challenge to take over at UCD in their current position, but while there is still hope we will keep battling away," said Mahon.
Striker Gary Haylock may be set to start for Rovers for the first time as Trevor Molloy is suspended, while Pat Deans requires a late fitness test on a knee injury as Rovers search for what would be only their second win in nine matches.
Shelbourne v Longford Town: Leaders Shels go for a third win on the spin having had the benefit of a week's rest. Boss Pat Fenlon has both Tony McCarthy and Stuart Byrne fit again but is without the suspended Ger McCarthy, while Jim Gannon (ankle) remains out.
Town have selection problems with skipper Barry Ferguson, Vinny Perth and Darragh Sheridan all suspended, while Shane Barrett is still out with a foot injury. Graham Gartland and Tom Silke are added to the squad.
Waterford United v St Patrick's Athletic: David Breen is fit again following an ankle injury but fellow central defender Willie Byrne is a doubt with a groin strain. "We are playing well, but not well enough to win games," says Blues boss Jimmy McGeough. "We've given away soft goals lately and that's something we 've worked on in training this."
McGeough has David Breen fit again but is without fellow defender Willie Byrne (groin). Clive Delaney returns to the heart of the St Pat's defence having been cup-tied last week, while midfielder Keith Fahey is back from suspension.
Defender Colm Foley remains out through illness, while midfielders Davy Byrne and Paul Donnelly will require late fitness tests.
Filed by Rob Wright
