The final stretch of this League of Ireland season is shaping up to be one for the history books.
With just three games remaining, we find ourselves in the midst of a title race so unpredictable that trying to forecast the eventual champion feels like a fool's errand.
Five teams still have genuine hopes of lifting the trophy, and if this campaign has taught us anything, it's to expect the unexpected.
Shelbourne, Derry City, Shamrock Rovers, St Patrick’s Athletic, and Galway United are all bunched up at the top, first to fifth separated by only four points.
The fact that these five teams only have 270 minutes of football left to play shows how unique and tight this campaign has been, going right down to the wire.
There’s no room for error, and with the way things have unfolded this season, we can be sure that there are more twists and turns to come.
On paper, Shamrock Rovers might look like they have the easiest run-in.
Sitting two points behind Shelbourne and level with Derry City on 52 points, they face Drogheda United away tonight, followed by Dundalk away, before finishing the season at home to Waterford.
For many, this would seem like a manageable fixture list, but results earlier in the season tell a different story.
Rovers have already dropped points against Drogheda, while Dundalk and Waterford have both beaten them this season.
The most intriguing element of Rovers' run-in is the psychological battle they face. As defending champions, they are used to this kind of pressure, which should help them maintain the focus needed to navigate these last three matches unscathed.
At the top of the table, Shelbourne will continue to nervously watch over their shoulders.
Their form in recent weeks has been awful, only Dundalk have a worse record over the last five games, yet they have managed to hold onto top spot.
Shelbourne’s remaining fixtures are Waterford at home tonight, followed by Drogheda at home and then a final-day trip to face Derry City at the Brandywell.
It’s a tricky end to the season, their inconsistency in recent weeks means that nothing can be taken for granted.
The defensive solidity that was a hallmark of their rise to the top has been less evident of late, and with the stakes at their highest, they cannot afford any more slip-ups.
If Duff can rally his squad and secure two wins before the game against Derry, Shelbourne could well be in the driver’s seat.
Derry City may feel they let a golden opportunity slip through their fingers last weekend, coming away from two home games with only two points.
They now find themselves away to Dundalk tonight, then away to St Patrick’s Athletic, before that final-day clash against Shelbourne at home.
Like Shelbourne, Derry’s remaining games are far from straightforward, and their form has been patchy at best.
While recent results have been frustrating, there is no doubt they have the quality to finish the season strongly.
Their fate may ultimately rest on that final game against Shelbourne, but first, they need to get through tonight in Dundalk and the in-form St Patricks Athletic.
Should they manage that, a final-day decider at the Brandywell could be a fitting climax to this rollercoaster of a season.
St Pat’s have stormed into contention, winning seven of their last eight games.
They face Galway tonight, followed by a crucial home fixture against Derry, and then a final-day trip to Sligo.
Their momentum makes them the team to watch. With form on their side, it’s difficult to rule out Pat's making a late charge for the title.
After all, irrational or not, a team that has won seven out of eight can certainly win their last three.
They’ve found a winning formula, and they’ve already proven capable of navigating tough tests.
A win tonight against Galway would keep them in it, and if they can beat Derry next, they could find themselves in the thick of the title race on the final day.
Galway are the best defensive team in the league.
Tonight’s clash with Pats will be crucial for their title aspirations, even the Galway native will be shocked by these words, but if they can secure three points, their next two fixtures against Sligo and Bohemians will suddenly seem a little less daunting.
Galway’s strength has been their ability to grind out results, often winning by the odd goal, however they would have to achieve something they haven’t done yet this season and that’s to win three games on the bounce.
Defences wins titles, or so the saying goes, and Galway will be banking on their ability to shut down opposing attacks over the next few games.
If it’s them lifting the trophy, they will have pulled off one of the most remarkable achievements in recent memory.
Who will be crowned champions? It’s impossible to say.
Shamrock Rovers might have the easiest run-in on paper, but as we’ve seen all season, football isn't played on paper.
Shelbourne have their destiny in their own hands, but recent form suggests they may struggle to get over the line.
Derry have the talent, but can they discover the form needed when it matters most?
And then there are the outsiders, Pat's and Galway. One with momentum on their side, the other blessed with defensive strength and both capable of causing a late upset.
One thing’s for sure—this is the greatest title race we’ve seen in years, and with three games to go, there are still plenty of twists and turns to come.
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