The most talked about move in the League of Ireland off-season will be back on the agenda tonight as Stephen O’Donnell returns to Richmond Park as Dundalk manager for the first time.
After leading the Saints to the FAI Cup last November, the 36-year-old shocked many people by departing Inchicore to move to the side he had huge success with as a player.
It led to lots of bad feeling, fall-out and a number of players departing Inchicore for Louth.
The RTE Sport cameras will be on site to bring the game live to a national audience and while both camps have attempted to play it down this week, there is no doubt there is an extra spice to this league fixture.
This is the final game of the first series of matches of the Premier Division. Patterns had been emerging but last Friday’s games, and results in re-arranged fixtures, have condensed the table once more.
The Saints and the Lilywhites are separated by just two points with Tim Clancy’s men having the advantage.
As well the grudge element, this is an important fixture in keeping up with the sides around them.
Indeed second place Shamrock Rovers have as many positions as points between themselves and eighth place Drogheda United.
It leaves a picture where little ground has been lost for the sides chasing Europe, while Derry City, in action on Saturday against Finn Harps, have made the most and are now set to mount a title challenge.
Shamrock Rovers trail by six points in what is a surprise turn of events but an exciting one for those who are seeking a race for the league crown.
They play in a venue they once used as a home, Tolka Park, in what will be a sell-out fixture in north Dublin.
The Hoops will be keen to reel in Derry as soon as possible as the quarter-mark is reached tonight.
Finally, two teams who have moved somewhat out of a bad start clash in the final game of the night.
Drogheda United have taken five points from their last three games, including two tough away games, while Bohemians secured their second victory of the season in Sligo on Tuesday to move back inside the top half.
A Richmond reunion - Stephen O'Donnell returns to Inchicore with his Dundalk team for the first time since his departure from the Saints. Watch St Pat's Athletic v Dundalk live from 7.30pm tomorrow on @RTE2 and the @RTEplayer #RTEsoccer pic.twitter.com/sxHHgkB0cr
— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) April 7, 2022
St Patrick's Athletic v Dundalk, Richmond Park, 7.45pm, live on RTE2 and RTE Player
Photographers and the RTÉ cameras will gather on the away dugout at Stephen O'Donnell emerges pre-kick-off.
When that dies away, the focus will turn to matters on the field.
The Saints have been inconsistent so far this season. From the highs of opening day victories and toppling Shamrock Rovers, they've also suffered three defeats and the draw with Drogheda United last time out was another disappointment.
They're well-placed to challenge for European places as the second series of games approaches. However it would be somewhat disheartening not to be in the title picture come mid-season so keeping tabs on the top two will be a goal.
Draws have been a big part of Dundalk's campaign so far. It was easy for supporters to question where their season was going after just one win in seven games.
Three points against UCD has made their position a lot more pleasing and a win here would see O'Donnell take his side to third place.
As well as the storyline of the FAI Cup winning-boss returning to the club he walked out on days later, this game brings a wealth of importance to the league table. Viewers are in for a treat.
O'Donnell is not fearing the reception he will receive.
"There's been a lot of talk since I came to Dundalk so I’d imagine there’ll be a good atmosphere and it’ll be hostile," he said.
"I can’t control any of that, I’m more looking at the team, the game and the football side of it.
"There’s been a lot of stuff said, not from my side, so I’m sure it will lead to a good atmosphere which is good for the league as it generates a bit of interest.
"I get a bit of stick at most grounds so I’m well used to it. It’s part and parcel of football and I think it’s better for that. It would be worse if there was no emotion and it was all mundane.
"I had a great relationship with a lot of the staff and a lot of the players at Pat's and the fans were very good to me.
"Ultimately, I’d like them to think of where the club was when we came in and where it was when we finished, as runners-up and winning the cup on one of the most memorable days I’ve had in my career."
John Martin is back in the Dundalk squad after missing the victory over UCD with a knock. John Mountney is closing on a return.
Jamie Lennon continues his recovery from foot surgery while Paddy Barrett will also miss out through injury.
The Saints are predicting a sell-out for the fixture.
Shelbourne v Shamrock Rovers, Tolka Park, 7.45pm
The international break seemed to come at the right time for Shelbourne as they returned rejuvenated and put in a very taking performance to shock Sligo Rovers last week.
The table looks considerably different and provides them with a boost of confidence ahead of a fixture many of their supporters would have looked forward to on returning to the top flight.
Damien Duff found his enjoyment of coaching at Tallaght Stadium when heading up their Under-17 side and has spoken of his admiration for the champions and head coach Stephen Bradley.
Tonight he takes him on in a fixture likely to sell out Tolka Park.
The Hoops can bridge the gap on Derry City to three points given the leaders don't play until tomorrow. An intriguing Dublin derby awaits.
Duff wants to ensure his side remember it was just three points picked up and it will not be something they can fall back on
"It's important not to get too high or too low after wins and even after a disappointment like we had at home to Finn Harps.
"The belief here is that we can beat anyone and whether we do or don’t is another thing but we go into each game believing we can win it.
"There’s been great energy around the camp and we’ll be up for the occasion and getting our first home league win on the board.
"We know what to expect and we've planned for that but the most important thing is to believe."
Shane Griffin will return to the Shelbourne squad which Duff said is a "massive boost" and JJ Lunney is closing on a comeback but this game comes too soon.
Jack Moylan has also returned to training.
Bradley's men were very convincing in their win in Donegal. The Hoops boss was happy with what he witnessed.
"We were delighted with the win. It's obviously a tough place to go and they showed that in moments in the game but we’re delighted with the three goals and the clean sheet.
"We've been saying that for a few weeks that the performances have been getting better and better. The results haven’t always gone with that the last few weeks but it definitely did there. On Friday we had both, which is always nice."
Bradley is looking forward to the Dublin derby element of the game
"We know Tolka, when it's a full house, it’s a brilliant atmosphere and I’m sure it will be on Friday. Throw in that it’s a Dublin derby and that adds to it. We’ve quite a few of them this year [derbies] – they’re good, competitive games and Friday will be no different. So we’re really looking forward to it."
The Hoops have a fully fit squad with Lee Grace cleared by Bradley and Sean Kavanagh returning last week.
Drogheda United v Bohemians, Head in the Game Park, 7.45pm
There was pressure on Bohemians to deliver in Sligo and they did. It remains to be seen now if they can follow it up.
It always felt as if Bohs were playing catch-up last year so if they can find some momentum now, and with just the league to focus on as sides have Europe in the summer, then they could make real progress.
Sam Long was in inspired form for Drogheda in Ballybofey last Monday as he showed his potential for a great career in the game.
He will have another busy night if Bohs can repeat their performance in the west with Keith Long feeling his team could have had more goals.
Long said: "Keeping clean sheets gives you a platform to win games and that is what we needed on Tuesday.
"We could have won by more - we had some great chances and their keeper did well against us in one v one situations too.
"But it was a resilient team performance, particularly in the second half.
"They showed great character and played really, really well in difficult conditions and on what is currently a difficult pitch to play on.
"The challenge now is that we have to follow that up with another good display but that performance will lift everyone's confidence - they have shown themselves what they are capable of.
"It is another quick turnaround, Drogheda are very tough opponents and it is always a difficult place to go.They don’t give teams an inch on what is a tight pitch.
"But we are determined to continue where we left off on Tuesday night and the team are looking forward to trying to build on that performance."
James Finnerty (knee), Stephen Mallon (ankle) and Ryan Cassidy (ankle) remain doubts, as is Rory Feely, who was forced off after just ten minutes on Tuesday. Bohs will bring a large support to Drogheda after selling out their allocation.
