With Cork not playing last week due to international commitments it allowed chief title rivals Derry City open up a three-point lead at the top of the table as they stretched their remarkable unbeaten run to 24 games, though Cork now have two games in hand.
"It's all about holding your nerve and believing in yourself going into the last few games," said Cork City manager Damien Richardson ahead of his side's home clash with Drogheda United, the only side to have beaten them at Turner's Cross in the league this season.
Dan Murray returns from suspension to Cork's defence. Joe Gamble, though free of a ban, is out with ankle ligament damage, so Murray's return, at the expense of Derek Coughlan, is the only likely change.
Drogheda remain without their captain Simon Webb due to a shoulder injury and expect to be unchanged as they strive to extend their unbeaten run to 12 games.
Derry also take on the only side that has beaten them at home this season in the guise of Shamrock Rovers, though the Dubliners are scarcely the team they were for that 3-2 win at the Brandywell back in April.
"We've been playing quite well at home and have scored plenty of goals - 29 in 10 games - though we aren't expecting anything easy from Rovers who have beaten Longford 4-2 and drawn 0-0 at Drogheda since we knocked them out of the cup," said Derry manager Stephen Kenny who rejigs his midfield in the absence of the suspended Barry Molloy.
Rovers travelled to Derry last night with Keith Doyle returning to a full strength squad.
St Patrick's Athletic have Robbie Doyle, Alan Reilly and Seán O'Connor back from suspension while Gerard Rowe also returns having been ineligible for last week's 1-0 defeat to Shelbourne for the visit of UCD to Inchicore.
UCD continue without central defender Alan McNally (hamstring) but should have captain Tony McDonnell, Stephen Hurley and Alan Mahon available again.
Bohemians are without suspended right-back Stephen Rice for the visit of bottom of the table opponents Finn Harps who welcome back Jonathan Minnock after suspension at left-back.
After their creditable 1-1 draw in Longford last Sunday, Bray can all but secure their Premier Division status for next season with a home win over Waterford United.
