Paul Doolin returns to Belfield for the first time tonight knowing a win will virtually secure Drogheda United's future in the Premier Division while pushing UCD, the club he left for 02 Park in September, a major step closer to relegation.
Having survived the play-offs last season, Doolin believes the prospect of facing that again is an added incentive for his players.
"It's in our own hands," said Doolin, who hasn't lost any of his five away games in the league since taking charge. "We're playing really well and have that momentum with us. There is a belief and confidence amongst the players over the last five weeks. We have a lot of players playing well and if they continue to do that it's there for them."
Bottom-of-the-table UCD, who like Drogheda are unbeaten in five games, will also want their best form of the season to continue to get them out of trouble, and manager Pete Mahon knows there is little room for error.
"We'll probably need to win our three remaining games to stay up," said Mahon. "But I don't see why we can't do that.
"We will be positive and there is a good mood in the camp. Paul Doolin coming back to Belfield adds a bit of spice and I'm looking forward to the game."
Midfielder Barry Molloy returns from suspension for Drogheda while UCD are likely to be unchanged from their draw at Shelbourne on Tuesday.
Suspensions for Colin T O'Brien and Kevin Murray force Cork City into changes as they seek a first win in six matches to consolidate their grip on an Intertoto Cup place against Derry City at Turner's Cross.
Nigerian Michael Nwanko is thus set for his starting debut in midfield in place of O'Brien.
Injuries are an added problem for second-from-bottom Derry, who look in desperate trouble, having won just once in 22 games. Peter Hutton (ankle) and Seán Friars (knee) are out for the rest of the season. Liam Coyle (calf) won't play tonight, nor will Billy Clery, who has work commitments. Gareth Mullen and Rory McDaid have been called up from the under-21 team.
"It's a big game, but they are all big right now," said Derry manager Gavin Dykes. "We know what we've to do."
St Patrick's Athletic are Cork's main threat to third place. A win over Longford Town at Richmond Park tonight would keep them in the hunt for Europe and avenge their FAI Cup final defeat to the midlanders.
With Davy Byrne still out with medial ligament damage and Paul Osam a doubt, manager Eamonn Collins must give thought to the make-up of his midfield.
Longford's win at Shamrock Rovers on Wednesday effectively ended relegation fears, though a win here would rubber-stamp it. Seán Prunty (back) and Shane Barrett (dead leg) face late fitness tests while Graham Gartland is out through suspension.
Shamrock Rovers must beat Waterford United at Tolka Park if their promising season isn't to peter out to nothing.
Shane Davoren makes his debut in goal. Stephen McGuinness (foot and knee) and Samir Boughanem (ribs) are out while Trevor Croly (ankle), Glen Fitzpatrick (calf) and Pat Deans (flu) are all doubtful.
Slim Intertoto Cup qualification hopes remain also for Waterford United, who will field an unchanged team for the third match running.
