The Rinsgend derby is among five intriguing ties as the first round of Premier Division games winds up this weekend, beginning with three tantalising ties on Friday night.
Shamrock Rovers are back in Tolka Park to face Shelbourne for the first time since Damien Duff, a former Rovers player and coach, took the main job at Shels.
There’s something of a homecoming for Stephen O’Donnell, too, as his Dundalk side travel to St Patrick’s Athletic for the first time since his departure in November.
The champagne has hardly dried on the FAI Cup trophy when O’Donnell upped sticks to return to his former club and the atmosphere at Richmond Park will be charged.
Bohemians make the short trip up the M1 to Drogheda United as they look to arrest a run of five games without a win.
On Saturday night, Finn Harps host league leaders Derry City in the north-west derby, while UCD make the trek cross-country to Sligo Rovers.
Shelbourne v Shamrock Rovers (7.45pm)
Shelbourne could rise as high as fourth place should they overcome champions Shamrock Rovers in Drumcondra on Friday night.
Damien Duff and assistant Joey O’Brien come up against their former side for the first time after the Irish internationals took over the Reds side during the summer.
100-times-capped Ireland international Duff has had a mixed opening to his time as Shels boss, with two wins, three draws and three defeats from his opening eight games.
Rovers have had a bumpy opening of their own, losing twice on the road, to Derry and Pats, and trail the former by six points at this early stage.
There is plenty of time to turn that around as the first series comes to a close, and Rovers will be eager to get one over on their Dublin rivals.
“We've been saying that for a few weeks that the performances have been getting better and better,” Rovers boss Stephen Bradley said after last week’s 3-0 win at Finn Harps.
“The results haven't always gone with that the last few weeks but it definitely did there. On Friday we had both, which is always nice.
"I think [Shels have] been good. I'm sure Damien will feel that they should have more points than they have on the board.
“They've a new group and they're only getting to know each other. They've started well and will probably feel that they should have a couple more points on the board that they do."
Duff said: “The belief here is that we can beat anyone and whether we do or don’t is another thing but we go into each game believing we can win it.
“There’s been great energy around the camp and we’ll be up for the occasion and getting our first home league win on the board.”
Defender Shane Griffin returns for Shels while Jack Moylan and JJ Lunney have resumed training as they return from injury, while Rovers are at full strength.
Referee: Damien McGraith.
St Patrick’s Athletic v Dundalk (7.45pm)
The atmosphere is set to be raucous at Richmond Park as Stephen O’Donnell returns to the club he left days after guiding to FAI Cup success in November.
Pats have enjoyed a strong start to the season but slipped to third as they were held to a 1-1 draw at home to Drogheda United last week.
A late equaliser from Darragh Burns earned a point in Inchicore after Dayle Rooney had put the visitors in front, a second game without a win for Tim Clancy’s side.
Dundalk returned to winning ways as they bounced back from their derby defeat to Drogheda with a 2-0 win over UCD, thanks to Daniel Kelly and Patrick Hoban.
A win for the visitors would see them leapfrog the Saints, while a win for the home side would be a start to bridging the seven-point gap to league leaders Derry City.
“We need to make sure that we match that and bring an energy to the stadium as well and I'm sure the fans will be behind the players,” said Saints assistant Jon Daly.
O’Donnell said: “I get a bit of stick at most grounds so I’m well used to it. It’s part and parcel of football and I think it’s better for that. It would be worse if there was no emotion and it was all mundane.”
Jamie Lennon and Paddy Barrett continue to miss out for Pats, while John Mountney misses out for Dundalk, who will have John Martin back after a knock.
Referee: Rob Harvey
Drogheda United v Bohemians (7.45pm)
Bohemians travel to Drogheda in good spirits after a midweek win at Sligo Rovers arrested a run of five games without a win.
Liam Burt netted his second goal in as many games midway through the first half in the rescheduled game at the Showgrounds and it was enough for all three points.
The win moved Bohs back above tonight’s opponents, who were held to a 2-2 draw in an entertaining clash with Finn Harps on Monday night.
Ryan Brennan netted a late equaliser after James Clark’s eighth-minute opener was overturned by Eric McWoods and Yoyo Mahdy.
“It is another quick turnaround. Drogheda are very tough opponents and it is always a difficult place to go,” said Bohs boss Keith Long.
“They don’t give teams an inch on what is a tight pitch but we are determined to continue where we left off and the team are looking forward to trying to build on that performance.”
James Finnerty, Stephen Mallon, Rory Feely and Ryan Cassidy are all doubts for Bohs, while Darragh Markey and Adam Foley miss out for the home side.
Referee: Paul McLaughlin
