SSE AIRTRICITY LEAGUE/FAI CUP PREVIEWS

DERRY CITY v DROGHEDA UNITED Maginn Park (7.45) League form: Derry LLLLW, Drogheda LLLLL Match odds: Derry 1/3, Drogheda 8/1, Draw 4/1 Referee: J McLoughlin (Donegal) Team news: Derry’s Dean Jarvis returns. Darren Cole is doubtful and Nathan Boyle is out. Drogs are without the suspended Thomas Byrne and Chris Mulhall. Gavin Brennan, Stephen Dunne, Jake Hyland and Sean Russell are out injured.

Talking point: Derry’s capitulation has seen Rovers open up a four-point lead in the race for third but the Candystripes can put the pressure back on with a win against Drogs for whom the bell tolls. Having been thumped at home to Bray, Kenny Shiels will be demanding a response – just as he would’ve been doing for the last few weeks given that his side have now lost four on the bounce. Drogheda are likely to be already planning for the First Division as they attempt to salvage some pride.

Verdict: Derry

CORK CITY v LIMERICK Turner’s Cross (7.15), Live on RTÉ2 League form: Cork DLLWL, Limerick WDLWL Match odds: Cork 4/9, Limerick 11/2, Draw 18/5 Referee: R Matthews (Westmeath)

Team news: Cork will give late fitness tests to Steven Beattie, Kieran Sadlier, Alan Bennett and Stephen Dooley. Longterm absentees Johnny Dunleavy and Alec Byrne remain sidelined. Limerick again hope to have a fully-fit squad to choose from.

Talking point: Can Limerick repeat their epic win over Cork in the league last week? The three points were of much greater importance to the Shannonsiders in the grand scheme of things. Cork’s title party has been put on hold but they have their sights firmly set on returning to the Aviva to defend the FAI Cup. “We have been in the last two and we are the holders, so we want to get to the Aviva again,” John Caulfield said. “If we concede and let them play on the counter-attack, we will be in trouble.” Verdict: Cork