Dundalk have enjoyed countless momentous occasions in the last decade but tonight brings one a world away from their past glories.
Just three matches will be played as the European competitors sit it out.
The Louth derby is also a feisty affair and nerves will be fraught when the bottom two sides in the Premier Division meet for a third time this year.
Drogheda United have not won a game since a dramatic 2-1 outcome in Weavers Park on 6 May – a run that stems nine games – and they know a defeat here would signal a path towards the First Division.
Elsewhere, the two newly-promoted sides meet not in the bid to avoid to drop but with Europe in the vision.
Waterford suffered a rare defeat in Galway earlier in the year and will bid to avenge that loss.
If they can do so they will be on the verge of a European place for 2025.
The Blues and United are the only sides in the top half in action this week. Points on the board could make a major difference in their season.
Under-performing Bohemians take on Sligo Rovers in a repeat of the opening day fixture between the sides.
Plenty of water has passed under the bridge for the sides with Sligo starting the post-break particularly well, notching wins over Derry and Shamrock Rovers.
Bohs have a genuine concern of being sucked into a relegation battle due to playing fewer games in the season.
Given the sides below them are playing off tonight, it's a big game for the Gypsies and you can't rule out Sligo being dragged into the dogmire, or pushing for Europe.
Dundalk v Drogheda United, Weavers Park, 7.45pm
A new look Dundalk defence will be on show in Oriel Park with Zak Johnson, Archie Davies and Zak Bradshaw departing.
Felix Goddard looks set to come into goal with new signing Dan Pike to take Davies' spot.
Bobby Faulker, who made his debut in last week's defeat at reigning champions Shamrock Rovers, is in line for his first home appearance, while fellow central defender Hayden Cann will be hoping to begin his Dundalk career against his former club,
Cann scored the winner for in the last Louth derby for United.
Jamie Gullan is back in the Dundalk squad after missing the last three games with a glute injury
Lilywhites boss Jon Daly said: "I've seen Louth derby games on LOITV before and I’m very much looking forward to experiencing one.
"There’s a lot on the line and both teams will be pushing for the win.It’s not going to determine what happens at the end of the season, but it could really help if we go and get three points. It’s a huge game and one that we’re fully prepared for, fully focused on and excited for.
"We very much believe that we can close the gap on the teams above us and go past them. We have to believe that.
"If we get three points on Friday night, which will be very difficult to do against a tough opponent, then you’re looking up at other teams. We play Bohs in a fortnight and we have games in hand on Pat’s and if we can win them, it obviously drags them right back into it also.
"If you’re a pessimist, things can look bleak at the minute, but from an optimist’s point of view, it’s very much all to play for and I’m looking at this as an opportunity to close the gap."
New Drogheda signing Shane Farrell, who wasn't eligible to play against his former club Shelbourne last week, looks set to make his debut.
Gary Deegan, Zishim Bawa, Aaron McNally and Jethren Barr remain sidelined through injury.
Bawa could be sidelined long-term after having an ankle operation on Monday.
United boss Kevin Doherty told the Drogheda Independent: "We all know it's a big game, but every Dundalk game is a big game. The last one was a big game and we managed to win it and we’ll go and try to win on Friday, but it’s probably too early for must-wins.
"It’s going to be a really, really tough game and there’ll be a bit of madness at some stage, so we have to manage that.
"But the games against Dundalk and Shelbourne are probably my favourites and we’re lucky to be in the middle of that now, so everyone is excited and really looking forward to tonight."
Galway United v Waterford FC, Eamonn Deacy Park, 7.45pm
Waterford will see tonight's game as a chance to gain revenge for the earlier league defeat and solididfy third place,
United were the runaway First Division winners last year as the Blues had to go through the play-off.
However Keith Long has brought his side up the table and claimed some big victories in recent weeks.
Rowan McDonald (calf), Christie Pattisson (hamstring) and Kyle White (hamstring) all miss out. Niall O'Keeffe is doubtful due to illness, while Shane Flynn is awaiting international clearance.
Barry Baggley returned to grass training this week but will not make this game.
Bohemians v Sligo Rovers, Dalymount Park, 7.45pm
Sligo Rovers look to make it four wins in six matches as they take on Bohemians in Dalymount Park.
.Rovers will be without full back John Ross Wilson who serves the first of a three match ban, following his dismissal against Derry City last week. Defenders John Mahon and Conor Reynolds remain unavailable through injury.
Winger Simon Power returns to the match day squad having missed that win over Derry due to illness.
Sligo boss John Russell says he wants to build on recent wins over Shamrock Rovers and Derry City, but knows Alan Reynolds' side will have different plans.
"We picked up two brilliant and well deserved wins over one team defending their title and one team chasing it", he said.
"We want to keep building on recent performances. We have shown that we can play with the teams at the top of the table and now it's down to us to show we have the will and ability to go toe-to-toe with a team who are below us. Dalymount is a really tough place to go for anyone in this league, as their supporters always get right behind them and we need to manage that. They have a very deep squad which gives them the ability to change the game at any moment from the bench
."They've let go of a few players but have also brought in a number of new faces so we are going into the unknown somewhat. "We must plan without JR, but we knew about that straight after the Derry game and have worked well on our shape and formation all week. We are going to try and continue the momentum from the wins over Shams and Derry and bring it to Dublin."
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