Shelbourne and Derry City are aiming to be in top spot in the League of Ireland Premier Division when the mid-season breaks begins at the end of tonight's matches despite difficult games on the road.
Indeed the clash of Waterford and the Reds brings together the two sides far outperforming expectations for the season.
Victory for the Blues would arguably put them in the title picture, knowing they would be six points off the top with a game in hand.
Six wins in eight matches has been a magnificent return for Keith Long’s – including taking a maximum return from four home matches – and there will be another huge turnout at the RSC for the visit of the leaders.
While talk of the title may be unrealistic, Long has positioned Waterford into major European contenders with the sides below them struggling for consistency.
Barry Baggley and Maleace Asamoah both remain on the sidelines.
"Our focus is all about improving game on game. We want to continue to gel performance-wise and continue to improve as a squad.
"The depth of our squad has been challenged - missing some key players, but those that have come inn have taken their opportunity which shows the value of the squad. It's no longer a game of 1-11, but having a squad that has people ready to take their opportunity when it comes around.
"The support at home at the RSC has been brilliant in recent weeks. We want that to continue again on Thursday. We want big games at the RSC, and we need our supporters to back us again like they done massively lately.
"Shelbourne are a good side; top of the league for a reason with good players. They're a highly motivated and well organised side. It's a tough task ahead of us but we're looking forward to the challenge."
Derry can profit from any Shels slip-up after back-to-back after two routine victories solidified their spot to challenge.
Ruaidhri Higgins will not be completely happy with their season so far, given slip-ups and being blighted by injury problems.
However, they’ve put points on the board to give Shamrock Rovers something to think about in the second half of the season.
A trip to Dalymount Park to face Bohemians will be given another reading on if they are ready to make the next step, having suffered their first loss of the year at the venue earlier in the season.
Elsewhere the south Dublin derby has lots riding on as Stephen Kenny searches for a vital win against the champions.
Shamrock Rovers are well-rested after two matches were called off due to the international call-ups.
It was nicely timed due to their injury problems in Tallaght this year. But it does put pressure on the games before European competitions starts as falling up to 12 points behind their rivals, even with games in hand, is far from ideal.
St Patrick's Athletic have genuine relegation concerns with teams around the meeting tonight, so victory could put them further into trouble.
Stephen Bradley has been assessing the alterations Kenny has brought to Inchicore: "Pat's have changed slightly in certain aspects of what they do and how they play. You can see Stephen's ideas starting to come into what they do.
"There are slight changes in how they attack and how they defend, but which is quite normal when a new manager comes in. So we’ve got to be ready for that.
"Our performance there the last time, as I said before, was really good and we just didn’t get the rewards.
"So, we know we need to be at those levels again if we want to win the game. It’s a Dublin derby and the last game before a little break, so we want to go there and win."
Jack Byrne and Josh Honohan return for Bradley's outfit.
Trevor Clarke, Darragh Burns, Gary O'Neill and Dan Cleary should be available after the mid-season break.
Rory Gaffney is doubtful, while Seán Kavanagh is longer-term.
Galway United have suffered consecutive defeats for the first time this season and will look to bounce back against Drogheda United.
The Boynesiders moved off the bottom last week and will be hopeful of maintaining that position.
Much of the focus will be on Dundalk when they host Sligo Rovers tonight.
The Bit O’ Red had their biggest win of the season when hitting the net five times in the last meeting in Oriel Park.
Remarkably the home side have yet to concede in seven matches at the venue since that trouncing.
While the Lilywhites are firmly in which a chance of avoiding bottom spot, they need to reel in some sides with the play-off in mind.
Sligo look the most obvious on paper, yet they hold a nine-point advantage.
Both sides will be depleted, with the visitors particularly low on players. They would be happy with maintaining their advantage leaving Louth tonight.
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