Speaking after their 3-0 win at Longford Town last Sunday, John Caulfield reiterated his view that his Cork City are the only side capable of living with Dundalk this season.

Hosting their rivals on Friday evening, Cork have the opportunity to add further substance to that declaration by narrowing the lead of Stephen Kenny’s side to just one point with a third win over the champions this year.

The top-of-the-table clash could scarcely be better poised as Cork defend their seven-match winning streak in the league against Dundalk’s eight successive victories.

“This is a huge game,” said manager Caulfield. “The way this league is shaping up, there is no-one to challenge Dundalk only us. That’s a credit to the club and the players, that we’re the only ones still there with them.

“If we don’t give them a run, stay with them, they’re going to be smoking cigars with eight or nine games to go.”

Injuries hamper Cork at Turner’s Cross with Caulfield waiting on captain John Dunleavy (knee), fellow defender Kenny Browne (hamstring) and striker Karl Sheppard (ankle), though he expects midfielder Garry Buckley to be passed fit.

“We’re four points behind, but we’re in a good position and I’m happy with the way things have gone,” added Caulfield. “We hadn’t beaten them since I had taken over, but, this year, we’ve beaten them twice, which has given us great encouragement.

“We want to win the game and, being at home, we’re expecting a massive atmosphere.”

Though Cork followed up victory in the season's curtain-raiser President's Cup with a 1-0 win at Oriel Park in March, Dundalk winger Daryl Horgan, yesterday named SSE Airtricity/Soccer Writers' Association of Ireland player of the month for May, doesn't agree last year's double winner's 'owe' Cork anything.

“I wouldn’t say we owe them one, I wouldn’t go along the lines of that,” said 23-year-old Horgan, after receiving his third SWAI monthly award.

“We want to win, like we want to win every game and we want to go seven points clear. I’m sure Cork will be looking at this and hoping that they can win so that they can close the gap.”

With young striker Ciaran O’Connor their only injury absentee, Dundalk otherwise travel with a full squad.

Away from the main action on Leeside, third-placed Derry City hope to have key striker Rory Patterson back from a hamstring strain for their visit to Galway United, though midfielders Gareth McGlynn, Harry Monaghan and Barry McNamee remain out.

Defender Armin Aganovic is suspended for Galway as injuries also deprive them of Colm Horgan, Stephen Walsh and Padraic Cunningham. Marc Ludden and Kevin Devaney need to prove their fitness.

At Richmond Park, St Patrick's Athletic and Shamrock Rovers, in fifth and fourth places respectively, meet in a Dublin derby as both seek some sort of consistency to their seasons to keep themselves in touch.

Liam Buckley will want to see a significant improvement defensively from his St Patrick’s side after last week’s 5-1 trouncing at Bohemians while Rovers, having taken just one point from games with newly-promoted Wexford Youths and Finn Harps, will also be eager to find some winning form, both with Europa League ties looming after the summer break.

Sent off last week, Sean Hoare is suspended for St Patrick’s, though fellow central defender Darren Dennehy returns from a ban.

Midfielder Gary McCabe is suspended for Rovers who continue without injured defenders Luke Byrne and Dave Webster. Promising striker Sean Boyd is away with the Republic of Ireland under-18s in Sweden.

Friday night’s fixtures (7.45 unless stated)

Premier Division
Bray Wanderers v Longford Town
Home: 5/6; Draw: 11/4; Away: 3/1.

Cork City v Dundalk (Live on Setanta Sports, 8.0)
Home: 21/10; Draw: 2/1; Away: 29/20.

Finn Harps v Sligo Rovers (8.0)
Home: 4/1; Draw: 12/5; Away: 3/4.

Galway United v Derry City
Home: 2/1; Draw: 11/5; Away: 7/5.

St Patrick's Athletic v Shamrock Rovers
Home: 2/1; Draw: 2/1; Away: 6/4.

Wexford Youths v Bohemians (8.0)
Home: 13/5; Draw: 13/5; Away: Evs.

First Division

UCD v Shelbourne
Home: 23/20; Draw: 11/4; Away: 2/1.

Waterford United v Athlone Town
Home: 10/11; Draw: 5/2; Away: 3/1