Drogheda United v Shamrock Rovers
Drogheda United will go in search of their first win in four when they host Shamrock Rovers at United Park, kick-off 7.45pm.
United manager Johnny McDonnell must plan without Fionn Reilly as he continues his recovery from a hip complaint, however, Adam Whelan and Lloyd Buckley will be available having missed last week's game against Longford Town.
McDonnell said: "We know that we will need to be at our best to get a result especially given the quality they have out wide. We've been looking confident in training this week and the plan is to play on the front foot and make our home advantage count."
Rovers go into Friday's game at Drogheda United on a run of four wins in the last five league games.
The Hoops remain without the injured midfield quarter of Sean O'Connor, Keith Fahey, Stephen McPhail and Damien Duff. Better news for Rovers is that striker Mikey Drennan is available after serving a suspension.
Manager Pat Fenlon said: "We said that we needed to bounce back from Europe last week against Limerick and we did that scoring four goals showing that there is a lot of confidence in the team and we are in good form."
"Drogheda have been good of late and are going well in games so we know we will have a tough match on Friday. It's always tough at United Park with the tight pitch, but we will be going for all three points to continue our good league form."
St Patrick's Athletic v Galway United
St Patrick's Athletic host Galway United in tonight’s league clash at Richmond Park, kick-off 7.45pm.
The Saints will be looking to continue their recent good run of form with a win against the Tribesmen, while Tommy Dunne's side will hope they can record a victory which would see them move into sixth position in the league table.
Pat's are without Greg Bolger who misses out through suspension, while Christy Fagan is also ruled out with a knee injury.
Defender Sean Hoare (hamstring) and Jason McGuinness face late fitness tests; 32-year-old McGuinness will be assessed before the game after he suffered a head injury in last week's 3-0 win against Sligo that required 10 stitches.
New signings Ian Morris and Shane McEleney are in line for their home debuts. Morris made his first appearance as a first-half substitute for McGuinness in Sligo, while McEleney is awaiting his registration to be confirmed having joined the club on Thursday from Derry City.
Saints manager Liam Buckley said: "A lot of people forget that Galway have come up from the First Division into the current season, so Tommy Dunne is doing a really good job there.
"They've picked up a few great results this season and are unlucky not to be a little higher in the table. We're expecting a difficult game on Friday so we have to ensure we perform to our best. We'd a good win last week and I was happy with how we played, but we still have things to work on so we know we have to concentrate on Friday and take it from there."
The Tribesmen have a number of injury concerns ahead of their trip to Richmond Park. Ryan Connolly (ankle), Enda Curran (hamstring) and Andy O'Connell (foot injury) are all ruled out. There are also doubts over the availability of Marc Ludden (ankle) and Conor Barry (thigh), both will undergo late fitness tests.
Manager Tommy Dunne is calling for a massive improvement from his players.
Dunne said: "Losing to Bray Wanderers isn't good enough, it's as simple as that.
"Now we've got the hard tasking of facing St Pats away, who have won their last six league games in-a-row. It won't be easy, but I expect a big improvement in the level of our performance.
"We'll be going to Richmond Park minus some important players and we'll have a depleted squad but we know we've got to scrap and work for every point in this league."
Bray Wanderers v Dundalk
Dundalk will look to stay clear at the top of the table as they travel to face Bray Wanderers at the Carlisle Ground, kick-off 7:45pm.
The sides have met on one previous occasion this season with the Lilywhites winning 8-1 at Oriel Park. A pair of braces from Brian Gartland and Daryl Horgan were added to by Ronan Finn, Andy Boyle, Dane Massey and a thunderbolt from Richie Towell made it eight, with David Cassidy netting from the penalty spot for Wanderers.
Dundalk have no injury or suspension worries heading down the east coast with Stephen O’Donnell recovered from the knock which prevented him from starting the match against Cork City on Sunday, while new signing Ciaran Kilduff is in the squad after completing his transfer from St. Patrick’s Athletic.
Manager Stephen Kenny said: “The players have been very consistent all season. They have given everything and they want to win every game. They are hungry to win the game in Bray. We have had a few days rest after the game against Cork and the players are ready to go after it, we have everyone fit and looking forward to going there.”
For Bray, Stephen McGuinness remains sidelined with an ankle injury. Adam Hanlon is ruled out with fluid on knee, however, manager Mick Cooke can call on Peter McGlynn who returns to the squad following a one-match ban.
Cork City v Bohemians
Second-placed Cork City will be aiming to continue their pursuit of league leaders Dundalk, as they welcome Bohemians to Turner’s Cross tonight, kick-off 8.00pm.
The last meeting between the sides at Turner’s Cross saw City claim a 1-0 win over the Dublin side in the penultimate game of the 2014 season thanks to a Billy Dennehy goal, while their most recent meeting saw Adam Evans and Mark O’Sullivan score a goal each in a one-all draw.
John Kavanagh is ruled out of the City squad as he remains sidelined with a hamstring injury, while Gavan Holohan will also miss out having suffered a knock to his ankle in the draw with Dundalk.
Darren Dennehy will also miss out through injury, however, Ross Gaynor has returned to training and is expected to be available.
City boss John Caulfield feels that his side are continuing to improve, stating: “It’s a huge game for us. It’s a quick turnaround for us after a high-intensity game against Dundalk last Sunday, so this week has been about getting our recovery done to be ready for Friday night, because Bohemians have done exceptionally well this season.
“I have said that I felt that we would be stronger in the second half of the season; when you bring a lot of players in at the start of the season it takes time, so I felt we would get stronger and early indications are that we are.
Bohemians must prepare without Anto Murphy and Paddy Kavanagh, who are both suspended. Murphy completes his two-game ban for a red card, and Kavanagh misses one game for accumulated yellow cards.
Lorcan Fitzgerald (hamstring), is rated a 50-50 chance to be available. So too is Ismahil Akinade (shoulder), who took a heavy fall in last week’s defeat of Derry City. Dan Byrne and Marc Griffin are out with long-term injuries.
Looking ahead to the game, Bohs boss Keith Long said. “They have good players, experienced players, international players. They are a top side and it’s a tough challenge, but we have to go down there and test ourselves against them. If we’re organised and disciplined we have a chance of picking up points.”
Derry City v Longford Town
Derry & Longford team news to follow
