Derry City know they must take advantage of being first to fire among the title chasers as struggling Dundalk visit the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium.
City secured a point in Tolka Park on Monday in what was billed as a potential title decider but ended up something of a damp squib.
They remain very much in the hunt and victory over a struggling Dundalk would move the Candystripes top of the table, albeit with two games extra played.
Shelbourne are in Sligo on Saturday night in what, on paper, is a difficult game for Damien Duff's side.
The Lilywhites are facing the reality they are set to be in the relegation play-off at best after last week’s demoralising loss to Galway United.
Like Derry, they can’t afford any slip-ups.
The Dundalk game will bring its own challenges of course and the Limavady man knows only too well that the Louth side have plenty of motivation of their own.
City boss Ruaidhrí Higgins has dismissed any talk this will be an easier night for his side:
"It's been that kind of league this year and every game presents its own challenge," he said.
"There is so little between a lot of teams.
"Dundalk have a list of league winners in their side and they'll have a clear plan coming here. We have to be ready for that and the mood around the place this week leaves me in no doubt that we will be.
"Form-wise, apart from a poor performance in the first leg of our European tie in Gibraltar, we've been very good over the past six or eight weeks.
"We're in a much better place in terms of the squad too; both Ronan Boyce and Jordan McEneff have put their hands up after injury to let us know they're ready.
"Shane McEleney has recovered from his knock and he should be involved which is a great help with Sam Todd suspended.
"Patrick (McEleney) isn't far away either, but Friday will just be a week or so too soon."
The Lilywhites needs a dramatic turnaround from the insipid display in Oriel last week.
City have not lost in nine games at the venue, and Dundalk have just one away victory all season.
It’s Derry’s first home league match since late June. They are unbeaten there since 19 April.
Lilywhites boss Jon Daly said: "Going to the Brandywell is always difficult. They are a good side and they are challenging for the league and they'll be looking to build on a positive result and performance against Shelbourne on Monday night.
"We have to try and take advantage of the fact that they were down to 10 men for an hour or so and they would have had limited recovery and training time whereas we've had a couple of extra days to plan and prep. It's important that we start the game fast, we bring it to them and we turn up and bring our game.
"If we can execute our game plan, then I think, in this league certainly, any team is capable of winning against anyone. We have some really good players that can hurt any team and it's about trying to get them into that frame of mind where they feel that they can do that."
Dara Keane and Paul Doyle and remain out injured.
The only side in genuine contention of being dragged into the relegation mix is Bohemians as they host European hopefuls Waterford.
The Blues will go in search of a third win of the season over Bohs as they look to recover from their recent blip in form.
Waterford are tied with three other sides on 37 points in the race for third and fourth spot.
Adam Queally (groin), Kyle White (gamstring) & Sam Sargeant (fractured hand) all miss out on our trip to Dalymount through injury.
Connor Evans returned to training this week & is available for selection.
Bohs have not won at home since April and will be looking to move clear of the relegation trouble.
For Waterford, they've lost three on the bounce in the Premier Division so stopping the rot would be most welcome.
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