Who will stay up?

With a little under a month remaining in the eircom League Premier Division season, tonight's game between Cobh Ramblers and UCD is the next in a line of intriguing battles which will help define and eventually settle the three automatic relegation places. While the financial worries of a number of clubs may alter the landscape comes season's end, for now all four clubs involved must remain focused on the chase for ninth spot.

Last night saw Galway United stylishly win their second home game in a row to move within two points of Finn Harps, who tamely lost at home to Sligo Rovers. Four points now separate the four clubs with Galway having a game in hand once tonight's game is finished. That will take place on Monday when Pat's, who also play tonight, take on Jeff Kenna's side.

Interestingly there is one club from each province involved, but at the moment it looks to be a duel between the Connacht and Munster representatives. Cobh have, under extremely trying financial circumstances, stitched a good run of results together and, should they win tonight, will leapfrog Harps into ninth. Meanwhile, in the West, Galway are on a seven-game unbeaten run and have yet to play Harps and UCD. Jay O'Shea has fired in 5 goals in their last three games and may depart come seasons end, but he will be forever fondly remembered in Terryland if he continues the sparkling form recently displayed.

REMAINING FIXTURES:

GALWAY UNITED: v St Pat's (a) v Derry (a) v Finn Harps (h) v UCD (a) Prediction: At the moment, United are flying, but realistically I think 6-7 points would be a great haul from these games. Much depends on the strength of the Pat's team that faces them on Monday because they will not go to Inchicore looking for a draw. TOTAL: 6 points.

FINN HARPS: v Drogheda United (a) v Galway United (a) v Shamrock Rovers (h) Prediction: Going on last night's performance, Harps last game looks there only chance of a full complement of points. They have won at Terryland already this season, though, so its not inconceivable that they will get something there. TOTAL: 3 points.

COBH RAMBLERS: v UCD (h) v Bray Wanderers (a) v Bohemians (h) v Derry City (a) Prediction: On paper, three tough fixtures follow tonight's clash, but will Bohs just be on auto-pilot for the trip south. Derry could also have little to play for and may be saving players for a Cup final appearance come the final day. Two possible wins on the cards for Stephen Henderson's men but points away from home may well prove crucial. TOTAL: 6 points.

UCD: v Cobh Ramblers (a) v Bohemians (h) v St Pat's (a) v Galway United (h) Prediction: Goals have been a problem all year for the Students, and now they need to come up with enough to claim at least 6-7 points from their remaining games. Hard to see it happen. TOTAL: 2 points.

If this were to happen it would see Galway and Cobh tied on 29 points, with Harps just behind on 28. Goal difference would then come into play. Galway at the moment have a 7 goal advantage thanks to last night's four goal haul against Bray. A tense last day of the season is assured for those involved. The three B's (Belfield, Ballybofey, and The Brandywell) will host games that will be relevant until the final kick and the final whistle is blown. Will it be Jeff Kenna, Stephen Hendersen, Paul Hegarty, or Pete Mahon who are celebrating. The season is far from over yet.