Ryan Guy and St. Patrick's Athletic aim to defend top spot as they take on champions Bohemians on Friday, while Chris Konopka targets a place in the Waterford United team versus Athlone Town on Thursday.
Bohemians - St. Patrick's Athletic
If St. Pat's were to claim the three points from this Dublin derby then they would stretch their lead at the top of the standings to five points as well as going unbeaten against Bohs for three games.
However, if Pete Mahon's men fall to defeat then Bohs can replace them at the top. That is something Guy will be hoping doesn't happen and he has a key role to play in this match.
The San Diego native was again used as a striker in last week's tie with Sporting Fingal, although with Danny North and Vinny Faherty battling for a starting spot he could be moved back to his preferred right wing position.
St Pat's are missing Shane Guthrie with a calf injury and Gareth Coughlan due to a broken leg, while Ian Bermingham is a doubt with a foot injury and new signing James O'Brien is lacking in match fitness.
Bohs will be without Steven Gray and Anthony Murphy due to Achilles' injuries and they could be joined on the sidelines by striker Raffaele Cretaro, who has a hip flexor problem.
Athlone Town - Waterford United
The past number of weeks have been quite frustrating for Konopka as he has been unable to break back into the Waterford starting 11, but he remains optimistic of reclaiming his place.
Having started the season so well for The Blues, the New Jersey-born shot stopper lost his spot to rookie keeper Kevin Burns after being forced to serve a suspension for a harsh dismissal in a cup game.
Waterford are still trailing behind First Division leaders Derry City, although escaping from Athlone Town Stadium with a victory would help close that gap as Monaghan United keep the pressure on Stephen Henderson's team.
Henderson will have to shuffle his pack slightly as top scorer Vinny Sullivan is suspended for this game, so Timmy Purcell may fill that void up front. |
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