Galway United v Bohemians (Terryland Park, 7.45)

The battle to get Stephen Grant's registration continues, so Don O'Riordan remains unsure whether he will be able to give the former under-21 international his United debut this evening.

Still, he reckons that his side gave Finn Harps "one hell of a battle" last week and should have won, so the aim will be to show Bohemians that "we're a lot better than we were when we played them up at their place".

With Kieran Foley still a week or two away from returning, O'Riordan is working with much the same panel as went to Ballybofey but, back on home turf, the hope will be to end the three-match run of defeats.

Roddy Collins, meanwhile, has less to worry him with his side having only lost once in their last six outings. Unfortunately, though, the loss was last week against Shamrock Rovers. Dave Morrison has a suspected hairline fracture and that might mean a league debut for Davey Williamson. Otherwise the side is much as it was a week ago.

Last two seasons: 1999/00: Galway 1 Bohemians 2, Bohemians 1 Galway 3, Galway 0 Bohemians 1; 00/ 01: Bohemians 5 Galway 0.

Recent league form: Galway: WDLLL; Bohemians: WWDWL.

Leading scorers: Galway: Lavine 8; Bohemians: Crowe 12.

Betting: Home 7/2, draw 9/4, away 4/6.

Referee: J Stacey (Athlone).

Shelbourne v Longford Town (Tolka Park, 7.45)

Pat Fenlon (knee injury) and Stephen Geoghegan (ankle) would have missed Sunday's game at Bray had it gone ahead but both are said to have made considerable progress through this week at training and may well play a part this evening. Avery John is away on international duty in Panama until early next week and so Mark Hutchison will come back in at left back while Davy Byrne is a possible starter in midfield.

Longford continue to have a string of injury problems with Paul Perth, only back last week after a long lay-off, now laid up again after damaging knee ligaments. He joins brother Vinny, Niall Byrne, Stephen Kelly and Alan Murphy on the sidelines.

So far, though, Stephen Kenny has coped well with the succession of obstacles thrown in his way and if his side could emulate the likes of Bray and Harps by squeezing out a win this evening, then they would move to within a point of the home side at the top of the table.

Last two seasons: 1999/00: Did not meet; 00/01: Longford 0 Shelbourne 1.

Recent league form: Shelbourne: WDDDW; Longford: DLWLW.

Leading scorers: Shelbourne: Foran 5; Longford: Kelly 3.

Betting: Home 2/5, draw 11/4, away 13/2.

Referee: A O'Regan (Cork).