Dundalk can take a giant step towards winning the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division title as they welcome Shamrock Rovers to Oriel Park (live on RTÉ2, kick-off 7.05pm).
A 3-0 victory over Athlone Town last Friday means Dundalk need just six points from their three remaining matches to secure the crown.
A slip-up tonight could see Cork City topple Lilywhites if they were to take maximum points from their remaining two games, with the final clash of the season between City and Stephen Kenny’s side.
This will be the eighth meeting of the Dundalk and Shamrock Rovers this season and the third and final contest in the league.
Kenny has to plan without the services of striker David McMillan who has been ruled out for rest of the campaign after surgery on an ankle ligament injury he picked up away to UCD just over two weeks ago.
Simon Kelly is doubtful with a persistent calf problem.
Captain Stephen O’Donnell has completed his recovery from the serious knee injury he picked up against Rovers in April as he featured in the closing stages at Lissywoollen on Friday, coming off the bench and he will be once again in contention to be selected.
Former Hoops defender Sean Gannon has been a revelation for Dundalk in his time at Oriel and he is excited about the prospect of a full stadium this evening.
“It’s another big one on Monday and we know that Oriel Park will be packed to the rafters and that will be great for us. It will give us all a lift.
“Rovers are a good team, we know that, but we have full confidence in ourselves and hopefully we can get another big three points.”
The Hoops are still eyeing third place in the league and a win tonight would see the gap to St Patrick’s Athletic close to four points with two games remaining.
Manager Pat Fenlon wants to keep up the pressure on the Saints.
“It is a massive game for them but it is still a big game for us. I’ve said to the lads we need to keep going. If Pat’s do slip up, we want to make sure we have a chance to catch them
“The games against Dundalk have been good and have also been tight this season. We have gone up there twice in the last few weeks and done well enough. We won one and lost one. The players are looking forward to going there for a game which will have a great atmosphere.”
Barry Murphy, David O’Connor, Stephen McPhail and Dean Kelly are doubtful for Rovers. Ronan Finn is suspended.
Live coverage of Dundalk v Shamrock Rovers from 1900 tonight on RTÉ2.
