St Patrick's Athletic host Shamrock Rovers tonight as both sides look to continue their superb recent form.
A 2-2 St Patrick’s Day draw in Tallaght Stadium began a Saints revival, while adding further concerns to Hoops' slow start to the year.
Since then, Pat’s have reeled off four victories, while only a draw at home to Shelbourne stopped the champions doing the same.
Remarkably Pat’s sit in second place in the table, going from ninth place all the way to being the closest outfit to Bohemians.
Shamrock Rovers have almost overturned Derry’s large advantage to be just a point behind their supposed main title rival.
It all leads to an intriguing game to test the mettle of both of their progress in the last month.
The sold-out signs were up early in Inchicore. Last week’s 3-2 victory over Bohemians was far from perfect but showed their ability to hit the net with ease. It’s 15 goals in five matches for Tim Clancy’s men.
Clancy said: "After a great win at Dalymount, we're looking forward to being back at home in Inchicore in another Dublin Derby in front of another sell out. Richmond will be buzzing on Friday.
"We've been doing very well in the last few weeks and we know where we are it at the moment, we've got a massive task against arguably the best team in the country tomorrow night, they are in good form themselves too.
"We played them a few weeks ago and drew 2-2, both teams were in a completely different place then, we had lost three in a row and they were looking for their first win, since then both teams have picked up a lot of points and the table looks a bit different so we're hoping to keep our run going."
Danny Rogers [thumb], Tom Grivosti [hamstring], Harry Brockbank [calf] continue to miss out through injury. Captain Joe Redmond [hamstring] will also miss the game in a major blow for Pat's as will Tommy Lonergan who is suspended.
Rory Gaffney is ruled out with a hamstring problem for the visitors. Sean Gannon is doubtful. Trevor Clarke returns from a knock.
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Elsewhere there’s another live game on RTÉ2 as Damien Duff’s Shels look to build on their draw in Tallaght when Dundalk visit Tolka Park.
As much as Stephen O’Donnell will be concerned by Dundalk’s struggles, with just three wins from 10 games, it’s their mounting injury list in a relatively small squad which will be even more stressful.
The Lilywhites showed a fighting spirit in the second half against Derry. They’re just four points off second place despite being unconvincing so far this year.
Patrick Hoban’s return in a timely boost for the Lilywhites and could make all the difference. Greg Sloggett’s injury against Derry was another setback.
Duff was thrilled by how his side overcame all expectations by scoring twice against Shamrock Rovers.
Having struggled to find the net, it’s four in two games and there’s no doubt they’ll be targeting what was look a vulnerable Lilywhite defence in recent games.
Duff has started some mind games, claiming the Louth side are expected to come away with the win.
The former Republic of Ireland great said: "I said last week, Dundalk are one of only two teams we've not beaten in the league since coming up, we want to win the game but in many ways all pressure is on Dundalk.
"They are a top team in the League of Ireland, full of really talented players, brilliant manager in Stevie O’Donnell, we’ll respect them, as we do every team that comes here, or if we’re away, but the pressure in on them. They’re expected to win, they’re the favourites."
Bohemians are facing a test of their character as they take on another side performing above expectation in Drogheda United.
Bohs have lost to three of their Dublin rivals, Shamrock Rovers, Shelbourne and Bohemians, while winning every other game so far.
They remain top of the table ahead of the short trip north.
United claimed a point in Sligo and could have had more, though they will be wary that UCD are finally beginning to put points on the board.
Bohs boss Devine said: "They are a very good side. They are a side that have impressed me this year. Even when we played them at home, we were fortunate to come out on the right side of the result
"Especially at home, Kevin Doherty will have them really well drilled. They have a lot of experience in their team in Gary Deegan and Ryan Brennan.
"They have added a lot of exciting players, and Darragh Markey is a very talented boy.
"They are working really hard to get results, and have been really impressive in the opening series of games.
"We have discussed where we think we can have joy, and we have also discussed where they can hurt us.
"But we are going in with our eyes wide open - we are facing a difficult team at a difficult venue."
Ali Coote [thigh] and James Akintunde [hamstring] are doubts. Jordan Flores is suspended.
The longest journey in the season, Derry to Cork, comes on Friday.
It has been hard work for the Citys in recent weeks. The Candystripes need to return to winning ways after seeing their near-perfect start to the year derail.
Paddy McLaughlin has linked up with his former side to replace Alan Reynolds in a boost for Derry.
Ruaidhri Higgins feels a win could kickstart Derry again, with the return of Michael Duffy, a late sub in Oriel, a major lift as well.
"There’ll be a big, noisy crowd and Cork will look to put the ball in the box and put pressure on us, so we have to go there and try to stamp our authority on the match.
"It’s a good pitch and we’ll be positive. We’re not going there to try to hold on to anything.
"I said last week that I expect this team to kick on once we get a win or two and I firmly believe that.
"Michael Duffy got 20 minutes in that game and as you see, one or two of the others are nearly there as well.
"These are quality players who have played little or no football yet this season so of course it’s a massive boost to have them back."
Patrick McEleney is doubtful. Jamie McGonigle and Ryan Graydon picked up knocks last weekend but they are not serious.
It was vital for Cork to avoid defeat in Belfield last year. An abject performance, stemming from a first-minute goal, led to the result they didn’t want.
Pressure is on both teams in this game for their respective goals this season.
Kick-off in all games is 7.45pm.
Watch Shelbourne v Dundalk in the League of Ireland live on Friday from 7.35pm on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player, follow a live blog on the RTÉ News app or RTÉ.ie/Sport
