With eight points separating Longford Town and Wexford Youths at the foot of the table, it might be too late for Alan Mathews to make a major difference to this year's relegation battle. But the Dubliner could make a start on that front while having a say in the title race this evening at Turner's Cross where even a point for the visitors would represent a huge blow for the hosts.
The former Cork City manager is without Noel Haverty and David O'Sullivan for his first game back in charge of Longford but Ryan Coulter is back from suspension as Mathews looks to engineer an improvement on last weekend's 4-1 FAI Cup defeat at home by the same opponents.
Before that game, City’s recent league form must have offered some small encouragement to Longford, “but they battered us,” acknowledges Mathews, who watched from the stand and takes full charge for the first time on Friday.
"Of course there is pressure on them, they need the win so people say that it could be a good time to play them but then you could say that it might be a good time too for Wexford Youths to play Dundalk. "
The league leaders are without Dane Massey, Daryl Horgan and Ciaran Kilduff for the the trip to Ferrycarrig Park but Stephen O'Donnell returns after his suspension for the Legia game while Alan Keane and former Rangers midfielder Dean Shiels will be added to the squad after signing for the club.
Bohemians goalkeeper Shane Supple has recovered from an ankle injury and looks likely to feature against St Patrick's Athletic while Josh Mailey, Gareth Harkin, Ciaran Coll and Dave Scully are doubts for Finn Harps manager Ollie Horgan for the visit of Shamrock Rovers.
FIXTURES (7.45 UNLESS STATED)
Premier Division
Cork City v Longford Town
Home: 1/7, Draw: 13/2, Away: 14/1.
St Patrick’s Athletic v Bohemians
Home: Evens, Draw: 21/10, Away: 13/5.
Wexford Youths v Dundalk (8.0)
Home: 10/1, Draw: 4/1, Away: 1/4.
Finn Harps v Shamrock Rovers (8.0)
Home: 9/2, Draw: 12/5, Away: 4/6.
First Division
Waterford United v Drogheda United
Home: 3/1, Draw: 12/5, Away: 4/5.
Betting courtesy of Paddy Power
