Drogheda United make a long-awaited return to league action tonight as they look to stop Bohemians closing on the top of the Premier Division, while Galway United visit a beleaguered Cork City at Turner's Cross.
With an absence due to a European campaign which never materialised, Drogheda have only played a single match in the last month, disposing of Crumlin United in the FAI Cup.
The pain from losing out on Europe may ebb away over time and is likely to be used as a motivation for Kevin Doherty’s side to try to repeat their achievements of last year.
They face a tough ask in the Cup with a trip to Derry in a final rematch.
But perhaps they can use the league to reach European competition on this occasion.
United had a mid-season training camp in Spain to help pass some of the time on the sidelines.
They occupy fourth place at the moment, with the likes of Shelbourne and St Patrick’s Athletic distracted by upcoming Europa and Conference League ties upcoming.
It leaves Drogs still well-placed if they can return on-song and with a good record against the Gypsies, Kevin Doherty is hoping it can be the case.
He told the Drogheda Independent: "We've beaten them the last three times and they will be fired up and will want to put that right.
"We will have to be on top of our game, but any time we have a proper lead-in to a game I have every confidence we will put in a performance and hopefully it leads to a result."
Bohs took a creditable point from Derry last week, with the only disappointment that their title hopes may be waning.
It was always going to be a big ask for Alan Reynolds’ side and second place or an extended run in the Cup is their realistic target.
Their record at Dalymount has gone from embarrassing to imperious, with 22 points from a possible 27.
Manager Alan Reynolds wants to right the wrongs of their form against the Boynesiders.
He explained: "Drogheda are the only team we haven't taken any points off this season so we know how big a game this is going to be. It’s a huge game.
"I think some people disrespect Drogheda but I certainly don’t. They are one of the best organised teams in the league so this is going to be a battle, so we need to roll up our sleeves and be ready for it.
"We have found it difficult against them this season for a reason so we need everyone at their very best, and we can’t give Drogheda an inch.
"We were kicking ourselves the last time we played Drogheda so we don’t want to be in that position. We don’t want to leave anything behind us."
What could go wrong for Cork City this year has done.
Last week’s dramatic loss to Sligo may have brought an end to their hopes of avoiding the drop, slumping 11 points from safety with the same number of matches remaining.
An unpopular rise in ticket prices, managerial and player upheaval, as well as injury woe, are just some of the painful moments on Leeside in 2025.
Cathal O’Sullivan was the latest player to be hit with a serious injury this week, with the talented teenager set for months on the sideline.
A move cross-channel had looked inevitable in the coming months in what was a cruel blow to the player and a club bound for the quickest possible return to the First Division.
Milan Mbeng left for Shelbourne prior to news of O’Sullivan’s injury while Malik Dijksteel departed for St Mirren after a protracted exit.
It hasn’t been the happiest time for Galway United, particularly away from home, as they go look for a first away victory since mid-April.
Last week’s home defeat to Waterford has certainly put United in the relegation mix thanks to Sligo Rovers’ dramatic turnaround.
Three points in Cork would certainly alleviate some of the fears as John Caulfield visits the ground in which he had so many great nights.
Three more matches will take place over the weekend.
In-form Sligo Rovers host a Shelbourne side recovering from their trip to Azerbaijan and preparing for Croatia next week.
Waterford FC take on St Patrick’s Athletic on Sunday, with Stephen Kenny’s men trying to factor in the daunting task of meeting Besiktas next week.
The game of the weekend comes in Tallaght Stadium later in the evening with Shamrock Rovers look to end Derry City’s hopes of winning the league and take a giant leap towards securing the title.
