SATURDAY 26 MARCH
Galway United v Bohemians, Eamonn Deacy Park, 2.0pm
Galway United have a flawless home record to protect when they host Bohemians at Eamonn Deacy Park, but boss Tommy Dunne is expecting a fierce test on Saturday afternoon.
Galway are just two points off table-toppers Cork City - themselves only at the summit of a congested table on goal difference.
The Tribesmen suffered their first league defeat of the campaign last week against Derry City at the Brandywell - when Nathan Boyle netted in injury-time to snatch a dramatic win - and Dunne, still stinging from that result, wants an instant response.
"It's a home game against tough opposition," he said. "We are looking to pick up three points like we always are at home, but of course we're respectful of the opposition.
"They've had a few niggling injuries, but they've got a very strong squad. There's a lot of experience in their group. No matter what team Bohemians put out, it will be a tough test for us."
Armin Aganovic (knee), Alex Byrne (groin) and Stephen Folan (broken toe) are all ruled out for the hosts, with Kevin Devaney (groin), Colm Horgan (calf), Gary Shanahan (hamstring) and Enda Curran (ankle) doubts.
Keith Long says Bohemians' midweek EA Sports Cup success can be the springboard to kick on in the league.
The Gypsies conceded three goals in consecutive league games in a defeat to St Patrick's Athletic (0-3) and a draw against Wexford Youths (3-3).
But a strong second-half display on Tuesday saw Long's men return to form with a 3-1 victory against Longford Town in the cup.
"Confidence is key," said Long. "Winning is a habit, but losing can also become a habit. It was important we got that victory under our belts.
"We didn't make wholesale changes in personnel in the off-season, but there is a bit of an ongoing evolution in how we want to play.
"I'm confident we have more about us than we have shown so far and that we will get better and continue to improve."
Anto Murphy (hamstring) and Kurtis Byrne (foot) are back in contention, but Eoin Wearen (virus) remains out.
Ismahil Akinade, who came off with a hamstring strain against Longford, returned to training on Friday but faces a late fitness test on matchday. Roberto Lopes (virus) is a massive doubt.
Wexford Youths v Derry City, 5.0pm
Wexford Youths are still searching for their first win of the season but played well in a 2-1 defeat to reigning champions Dundalk, and then earned a 3-3 draw away to Bohemians in Dalymount Park.
Manager Shane Keegan was frustrated by the that rollercoaster game, and called for his side to shore up a leaky defence.
"The lads know themselves that to lead three times and not come away with the three points is not good enough and I'm sure you could all see their frustration at the final whistle," he said.
"But it shows how far we've come as a team and a club that we're leaving Dalymount Park annoyed that we've only picked up a point."
Wexford Youths are again with out injured trio Aidan Keenan, Peter Higgins and Shane Dunne. Dunne has returned to light training and is making progress. He's expected to be back in the next few weeks.
Derry City boss Kenny Shiels has identified the hosts' major threats, and is braced for a war of attrition as his side, with three wins from four, look to keep up their good start.
“They have Johnny Bonner from Donegal and Adian Friel from Strabane in their ranks; Paul Murphy is a very good striker, Chris Kenny in midfield is good and Danny Furlong (pictured above) up front is a top striker," Shiels told the club's website.
“So they have got good pedigree, we know about them and we have got to be prepared for a battle.”
Bray Wanderers v Sligo Rovers, 7.30pm
Bray will be without Dylan Connolly and Sean Harding for the visit of Sligo, while Robbie Creevy is a doubt.
The Seagulls prop up the table after four games but picked up a draw on the road last week, Dean Kelly's strike giving Mick Cooke's men their first point of the campaign.
Bray brought in a number of new faces in the off-season and it could take a while for them to gel, but they'll need to make home advantage count as often as they can to avoid being sucked into a relegation dogfight.
Sligo head to the Carlisle Grounds in search of their first league win of the season, coming off the back of two consecutive draws. The second of which, against Finn Harps, was abandoned due to floodlight failure after 85 minutes.
Phil Roberts is back from the suspension for the Bit O'Red, although an additional suspension rules him out for the forthcoming clashes with Cork City and St Pat’s with.
There will be a couple of late fitness tests needed for minor knocks and niggles picked up during the week but Dave Robertson expects to have a full squad.
"It always good to have some selection headaches," he said. "It’s a good position for us to be in when we have everybody fit and available. The key for us is that we are going into this game with a positive frame of mind and we are looking forward to the game.”
Finn Harps v Longford Town, 8.00pm
Finn Harps boss Ollie Horgan is desperate to end the hoodoo Longford have enjoyed over his team in recent time.
These two could find themselves duking it out for survival come the business end of the season and they are very familiar with each other.
Last year they drew 1-1 in the FAI Cup at the City Calling Stadium before a scoreless draw in the replay at Finn Park eventually saw Longford emerge victorious after penalties.
Harps made hard work of a 1-0 victory over Cockhill Celtic in the EA Sports League Cup midweek, but will be fired up for this one.
“We haven’t beaten Longford in our last six outings (at least),” Horgan told the club’s website.
“They finished in the top half of the table last year which was a brilliant achievement and they probably didn’t get enough praise for that.
“We always hope to get something out of every home game but that is a lot easier said than done. Longford had a great win away in Wexford which as we well know ourselves is a very difficult place to get anything out of.”
Barry Molley, Sean Houston and Josh Mailey are still out for Harps, but Ciaran Coll came back into the squad last Saturday for the visit to Sligo, while Michael Rafter made his debut in Tuesday’s EA Sports Cup win. Dave Scully and Packie Mailey both picked up knocks in against Sligo and are doubts.
