The most low-key week of the Premier Division brings two matches tonight that could alter the relegation race or leave an inevitability about the bottom two.
Bohemians host Dundalk at Dalymount Park knowing a defeat would see them sucked into the battle of the bottom.
A win for the home side will return their advantage to seven points, including two matches in hand.
The FAI Cup changed the mood in the respective camps since their last league outings.
Bohs were downcast after a run of one win in 11 continued with a loss to Sligo Rovers, while the Lilywhites enjoyed a rare victory over Drogheda United.
But the Gypsies eliminated arch-rivals Shamrock Rovers last week and Jon Daly's men were beaten by their Louth neighbours in a rematch at Weavers Park.
Both sides have been very active in transfer window, seeking to overhaul their respective squads.
Dawson Devoy made his first appearance since re-signing for the club last week but has to sit out tonight due to a suspension from his time at MK Dons.
Bohs boss Alan Reynolds said: "I believed we had been improving, and the players were able to channel that frustration into doing everything we needed to do to beat [Shamrock] Rovers last week.
"That was important for the group and for me I was extremely pleased for the players because there's no doubt that their confidence has taken a knock over the past while.
"Dundalk are a team in transition, a bit like ourselves. Jon Daly is looking to put his own stamp on things like I am myself and he has made changes.
"They have players capable of hurting us, and like us they need results. We will respect them but again the most important thing for us is getting our own game right and focusing on what we can do."
Andy Boyle, Dara Keane and Paul Doyle miss out with injuries for Dundalk.
Striker Cameron Elliott departed Dundalk on Wednesday after registering just one goal in 18 months, demonstrating their woes in front of goal.
Josh O'Connor, son of former Hibernian and Scottish international striker Garry O'Connor, arrived on loan from the Scottish club last night and could feature.
Lilywhites boss Jon Daly is looking for a reaction from his side while seeking to slightly play down the significance of the fixture.
He said: "We need to try and get over it as quickly as possible and bounce back against Bohs because we've got an opportunity to get right behind them.
"If we turn up and play the way we did in Drogheda then we certainly won’t be coming away with three points so we need to try and improve on the performance and be better in possession.
"We were sloppy in Drogheda and we looked like a team who haven’t been together for a long time. It’s the first time since I’ve been here that I felt that so we need to improve massively.
"Bohs had a big result against Shamrock Rovers last week and they’ll get a bit of momentum and a bit of confidence from that but for us, it's about trying to win the game to give ourselves the best chance of trying to catch them.
"Win, lose or draw, it’s not going to determine anything but it allows you to put that little bit of pressure on them.
"They’ve not been that close to us for a while so it gives us an opportunity to try and close the gap on them and Pat’s ahead of them as well.
Elsewhere Drogheda and Waterford clash in Louth, with United seeking to build on their Cup success.
It was 6 May when United last enjoyed that winning feeling – ironically also against Dundalk – and time is running out if they are to avoid automatic relegation.
In contrast Waterford will be looking to hammer home their European ambitions with some rivals not in action due to commitments in those competitions this week.
The Blues have been dealt a couple of blows this week with goalkeeper Sam Sargeant suffering a broken hand.
Connor Evans and Rowan McDonald (illness) will also miss out.
Christie Pattissonis back in the matchday squad for our trip to Drogheda, along with captain Barry Baggley also returns to the travelling party for the first time since March after overcoming his back injury.
New signing Sam Glenfield will be available for the game subject to international clearance.
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