LOI preview: Win a must for Shamrock Rovers against Dundalk to keep race alive

And then there were two. Shelbourne still at the summit, kicking back into gear with wins over Waterford FC and Drogheda United. And Shamrock Rovers, despite dropping to fourth after St Pat's win over Derry on Friday night, who have a game in hand in which to close the deficit on their cross-city rivals.

It's delicately poised alright. Form would say that the Hoops should should get the job done against already-relegated Dundalk this evening. If so, that will set up us for an All-Saints Day finale, with the focus on Tallaght Stadium and the Ryan McBride Brandywell.

Bradley v Duff. Almost 50 years to day since the 'Rumble in the Jumble', who will deliver the knockout punch and bring home one of the most talked-about Premier Division titles in recent years?

Of course, we should not be getting ahead of ourselves. In his post-match interview with RTÉ following the win over Drogheda, Shels boss Damien Duff was no doubt hoping Dundalk will do their bit to be competitive. The mind games have started.

"A lot of people have written Dundalk off but I think people forget it is a very proud footballing town," Duff said.

Throwing more praise in the direction of the Oriel Park outfit, he added: "It's a very proud footballing club, there's a very proud manager up there and there are footballing greats in the squad. I think it is slightly disrespectful that they have been written off."

If Jon Daly's side respond in kind and deny the defending champions a victory, then the title race is over. A draw would not be good enough for the Hoops, as it would leave them four points adrift of Shels with a game to play. The battle then would be to finish higher than fourth, to ensure a safety blanket, should Drogheda win the FAI Cup.

Shamrock Rovers will