The big games keep coming in the SSE Airtricity League, with one of the most high-stakes Dublin derby in recent times at a sold out Dalymount Park the highlight.
Bohemians take the surprise league leaders position going into the game, holding a healthy 10-point advantage over arch-rivals Shamrock Rovers.
It has been a dream start for Declan Devine's first full season in charge, having taken Sligo Rovers unbeaten home record last time out to make it six wins from seven games so far this season.
The Hoops meanwhile registered their first victory last week, dismantling 10-man Dundalk with relative ease, and possibly laying down a marker for what is to come.
In theory this is somewhat of a free-hit for Bohs given they are ahead of their initial target of qualifying for Europe this season.
Nevertheless, in an open-looking league, a 13-point lead from the favourite to lift the trophy would be seismic.
Derry City will watch on with interest. While not finding top groove and down on bodies, as well as off-field and personal matters for their coaching staff, the Candystripes have impressively positioned themselves when going unbeaten so far.
Assistant boss Alan Reynolds has left for his hometown club at Waterford – a significant loss given the standing he is held – and have yet to appoint a replacement.
Drogheda United visit the Ryan McBride Brandywell looking to continue their own impressive start, sitting inside the top half ahead of some heavy hitters.
Having steadied the ship, St Patrick’s Athletic could move into the top four tonight. A point in Tallaght followed by a routine success over UCD has eased some pressure on Tim Clancy.
This holiday weekend brings two fixtures, so things could quickly turn for the Saints with a continuation of good results.
Cork huffed and puffed at home to Drogheda last time out, but have shown character away from home on their return to the top flight.
Dundalk and Sligo Rovers occupy third and fourth spot respectively ahead of their clash at Oriel Park.
Some superb displays, as well as some poor ones, have been the story of their year so far.
The Lilywhites were very much in the game until the red card last time out which ended a four-match unbeaten run.
That game can be written off particularly if they respond this evening.
Sligo will count themselves a bit unfortunate to lose to Bohs last week. However they failed to test James Talbot all evening despite lots of possession.
Shelbourne were another side to come with nothing in a game they were highly competitive.
Damien Duff took a lot in defeat as he brings his side to UCD.
The Students have lost six on the bounce since a point at Oriel on the opening day. They need to strike sooner rather than later.
Bohemians v Shamrock Rovers, Dalymount Park, 7.45pm
Stephen Bradley has attempted to remain calm amid a flurry of draws for Shamrock Rovers this year.
Now that they have a victory under their belt, the Hoops boss is adamant he was never overly concerned.
"We felt that as a group it was coming. We knew that the performances were good and we obviously just needed to add the final bits to it. But we knew we were performing well, the result was what it was on Friday and that could have happened last week or the week before. Thankfully it came on Friday. "
"I thought we looked very good. We created chances and looked dangerous. You could see what we were working on was starting to hurt them. I think we were in control of the game before the sending-off and obviously after it."
"There was some really good play. We've been creating similar opportunities the past few weeks and we haven’t been taking them but we knew it was only a matter of time. "
Bohs, in a derby fixture, represents an even tougher challenge.
The champions are looking forward to testing their mettle.
Bradley added: "They’ve had a great start, six wins out of seven and they’ll be delighted with that. They’ve been doing well. We know that it being a Dublin derby, us against Bohs and since they’ve started really well that it’s going to be a difficult game. But I believe it’s one that we’re ready for.
"We need to go and perform like we have been and we need to focus. Games like this can be decided on the small details and small margins. We need to do everything possible to make sure that we come out on the right side of them. In the last few years, form has usually gone out the window in these games so we’ll go and try to perform as best we can."
Liam Burt is out for the next few weeks due to injury. Trevor Clarke is available.
Derry City v Drogheda United, Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium, 7.45pm
It's ominous signs for the rest of the league as Derry City begin to welcome back at least some of their injured players this week.
Cameron McJannet’s return against Shelbourne last week was a real boost for the Candystripes, while Adam O’Reilly will return for this game.
Michael Duffy is also nearing a return.
City boss Ruaidhri Higgins has been impressed with Drogheda United this year.
"They’re in fifth place in the table at the minute and could easily have been higher. I saw their game against Dundalk recently and I thought they played really well. It was one they could have won never mind losing it.
"We only took three points from our last three league games against them in 2022- dropping those six points obviously lost us momentum and we want to guard against that as best we can now."
Higgins has been coy on players returning, and while Mark Connolly remains out, he is pleased with the overall outlook.
"Thankfully Cameron came through the match really well and it’s great to have him back."
"I’m also delighted that Adam O’Reilly looks set to join the squad this weekend as well."
"To be honest there’s another couple very close to returning as well, but Friday might just come a bit too quickly."
Dundalk v Sligo Rovers, Oriel Park, 7.45pm
These sides played out a 3-3 draw last year in their final clash of 2022, but goals were not on the agenda last week.
Sligo boss John Russell feels his side are on the cusp of a dominant performance, having failed to back up their best moments of the year so far.
Russell is aware of the test that awaits his side: "I know Dundalk took a heavy defeat in their last game against Shamrock Rovers but the sending off had a big impact on that result.
"We've shown good signs so far this season. There is a lot of belief within the group and I feel there is a big performance in us.
Rovers are without Garry Buckley, Mark Byrne and Gary Boylan with ACL injuries while Johan Brannefalk and Karl O’ Sullivan remain sidelined with ankle injuries. Goalkeeper Conor Walsh is set for a return from an ankle injury soon also however this game might come too soon for the Westport man. Sean McAteer remains out also.
Robbie Benson will serve a two-game ban for Dundalk while they are set to be without key striker Patrick Hoban again.
St Patrick's Athletic v Cork City, Richmond Park, 7.45pm
Saints boss Tim Clancy wants his players to use their last two performances as a springboard when Cork City visit Inchicore.
Clancy will be back on the touchline against Cork after serving a one match ban last week.
Pat's have had a good recent record against The Rebels, winning six of the last ten against them in all competitions, City's last victory came at Turners Cross in April 2018.
Clancy said: "Cork have come up from the First Division and they've had a few good results so far this season. The last time they were in Dublin they scored four goals against Shamrock Rovers in Tallaght and got a good point.
"We watched their game against Drogheda last week, they've got good players and they are going to be very well organised under Colin Healy.
"We are expecting a tough game but it's one that we want to go to try and win and build on a good performance and result last week."
Danny Rogers (thumb), Tom Grivosti (hamstring), Harry Brockbank (calf) are all unavailable for the game, Tim Clancy has an otherwise fully fit squad to choose from.
UCD v Shelbourne, UCD Bowl, 7.45pm
Damien Duff has challenged his Shelbourne players to prove they are capable of putting UCD away in the UCD Bowl this evening.
Often a venue where a team can fall into a slumber, the Shels boss is looking for the best version of his team.
He said: "UCD are a good side, their current position probably does not reflect the talent they have, they get more dangerous the longer that wait for a win goes on.
"We won't be disrespecting them, we won’t be showing up with the mentality that we just have to walk out there to win, we’re expecting a tough, competitive game.
"I’ve a lot of respect for Andy Myler and he deserves huge credit for what’s been achieved there. Keeping them up in the division last year, winning the playoff, they are a dangerous team. People go out the door, but they always have players ready to replace them."
"Our lads will be up for it, I don’t accept the suggestion or mentality that it’s easier to lift your levels or motivate yourself for the Derry game or the Dublin derbies. I hate that mentality to be honest, if there’s players who are struggling to get up for Friday they shouldn’t be here."
Shels have a full squad to choose from with the manager admitting he has the Monday fixture with Sligo Rovers in mind.
"We’ve a deeper squad. We’re not taking our eyes off Friday, but you do have to plan line-ups over the days, we have a fair idea for the Sligo game line-up.
"We can’t understate that these two are very important games and I think in some ways will go a long way to deciding what way we go this season."
