Cork City face a must-win encounter against Galway United at Turner’s Cross as they look to keep on the heels of Dundalk at the top of the SSE Airtricity Premier Division.
City are seven points behind the leaders ahead of their game in hand against the Tribesmen, and anything but a win will leave the Lilywhites firm favourites to land a third title in-a-row.
City boss John Caulfield said: “Games are coming thick and fast; in the run-in, there will be a lot of twists and turns. Tonight is our game in hand, it is an opportunity to close the gap.
“We know it will be a difficult game with Galway coming down, but we need to play well. It’s a big game for us and a chance to close the gap again.
“Galway have beaten all of the top sides, they are that type of team. It is probably frustrating for Tommy, because they haven’t had the consistency, but they have some excellent attacking players.
“There are goals in their team and they have proven that. They can certainly finish in the top half of the table and we are well aware of their attacking threats, but it is about ourselves.
"We are on a very good run of form, we have been playing well, we are at home and we know how important the game is.”
Steven Beattie served a ban in the 0-0 draw with Sligo Rovers, but a family bereavement means he may miss the tie.
Alan Smith and John Dunleavy are both ruled out for the remainder of the season, while Kevin O’Connor is rated as “very doubtful”.
José García is a out for the visitors as they look to claim an unlikely result to boost their hopes of a top-six finish. They are just four points behind Sligo and Bohemians in a congested middle of the table.
Manager Tommy Dunne admitted it’s a big ask to come away with points tonight: “It’s difficult going to Turner’s Cross. It’s one of these places that few teams come away from with a result.
“We’re going to have to look at making sure that we’re right in both attack and defence. It’s a game we feel that if we’re up and at it, then we can be capable of winning and of beating any team in the division.”
A pivotal game in the race for European football lies ahead at The Brandywell as Shamrock Rovers visit to take on Derry City.
Third place guarantees entry to the Europa League qualifying rounds and these sides are separated by just a point with five matches remaining.
The FAI Cup may yet provide another European spot to the league – but neither side will want to rely on that.
Derry manager Kenny Shiels told the Belfast Telegraph of the importance of the game.
He said: "The next game is always the biggest and this one has added interest. A win would be fantastic for us because we want to get ahead of them.
"We've always been a stone's throw from each other and it's been nip and tuck. It's a chance to get a couple of points clear of them now."
Rovers are still without Luke Byrne who is ruled out for the remainder of 2016. Brandon Miele returns to the squad. Robert Cornwall is a doubt with a hamstring problem.
St Patrick’s Athletic prepare for Sunday’s FAI Cup semi-final clash with Cork by welcoming Sligo Rovers to Richmond Park.
Both sides look destined for a mid-table finish, but are keen to put a run of results together between now and the end of the season.
For Pat’s, Liam Buckley will be without the services of former Sligo player David Cawley, Keith Treacy and Jack Bayly through injury, though they are boosted by the return of defender Darren Dennehy to training.
Craig Roddan and Regan Donelon have served suspensions for the Bit O’ Red and return to the squad.
John Russell is unavailable to face his former club as he has incurred a ban.
Goalkeeper Micheal Schlingermann will remain absent with an ankle injury so Ciaran Nugent will deputise once again.
