Everyone will feel the heat when Shels and Bohs collide
Shelbourne prepare to face Bohemians tonight at Tolka Park in a significant night for the title challengers.
With just 10 games left in the season, Shelbourne sit two points clear at the top of the table with a game in hand.
A victory this evening is crucial as they look to continue their position in the title race, particularly with Derry City playing away to Waterford, where historically this season they've came out on top.
For Damien Duff and his Shelbourne side, the pressure is mounting. The club's ambitions this season are clear, and their recent transfer activity highlights this intent.
The addition of Aidan O’Brien, who scored on his debut in the FAI Cup victory over Galway last week, could prove to be a pivotal bit of business in their campaign.
For a striker, nothing boosts confidence like an early goal, and Duff will be hoping that O’Brien can continue his goalscoring in the league.
Shelbourne have had to adapt after losing key players Gavin Molloy and Will Jarvis.
However, Duff’s recruitment of Sam Bone, Ryan Tulloch, Harry Wood and Ali Coote has been praised, with the new arrivals expected to fill the void left by Molloy and Jarvis.
Duff will be hoping his new recruits will match the performances of Molloy and Jarvis.
Tonight's match comes at a time when Shelbourne desperately need to establish consistency.
Their extra-time win over Galway in the cup was their first victory in their last five outings, a stark reminder that a strong finish to the season is needed if they are to hold off the challenge from Derry City.
For Bohemians, the stakes are different but equally significant.
Alan Reynolds’ side find themselves languishing in eighth place, 12 points off the European spots, albeit with two games in hand. The