Dundalk boss Stephen Kenny has warned the champions are desperate to atone for a rare defeat when they travel to St Pat's on Thursday night (7.45pm).
Sean Maguire’s 69th-minute penalty condemned last season's double winners to their first league loss since the summer of 2015 last Friday night as Cork City claimed a big three points at Oriel Park.
Five teams are deadlocked on nine points at the top of the table – Dundalk, Shamrock Rovers, Cork City, St Pat’s and Derry City – with Galway just two points back on seven.
Already it's shaping up to be a far tighter title race than last year, when the Lilywhites cruised to glory, but Kenny refused to stay downbeat.
“I thought we played very well last week," he told the club's website. "Our application was good and it’s important that we carry that into this week against St Patrick’s Athletic. Pat’s have beaten Bohemians and Shamrock Rovers already this season and we have to respect that.
“From our point of view, we want to bounce back from the defeat last week. We are looking forward to the game and we’ll be ready for it.”
The Saints are looking to notch a fourth win on the bounce after defeating Longford Town, Bohemians and Shamrock Rovers.
Manager Liam Buckley praised his team's rich vein of form but he wants more as they look to inflict more pain on Dundalk.
"I was delighted with our win in Tallaght last Friday," said Buckley speaking to stpatsfc.com.
"Our ball retention and general play wasn't where we'd want it to be yet, but I thought the players worked tirelessly in defence and off the ball and got their reward when the chances came our way."
Jamie McGrath is back in training for Pat's. Goalkeeper Conor O'Malley made his return to the squad last week, while Michael Barker is also in the running to feature after an injury lay-off.
Midfielder Jack Bayly is still out, while defender Sean Hoare is absent due to his involvement with the Republic of Ireland U21 squad for their UEFA U21 Qualifying Round Group 2 clash with Italy.
Dundalk are without the injured Patrick McEleney, who picked up a groin injury against Cork City, but have a full squad to choose from apart from that.
