With 10 points separating the teams after just six matches, it will scarcely come as music to the ears of Longford Town players ahead of their visit to Tolka Park tonight that Shelbourne might not yet have reached their performance peak.
"We haven't hit top form yet, as far as I'm concerned," says Shelbourne manager Pat Fenlon, his side five points clear at the top. "The players know that as well, that there is a bit more to come from them."
Now the league's only unbeaten team, Shelbourne could hardly have expected such a comfortable start to the defence of their title with main rivals Bohemians already seven points adrift.
Michael Dempsey starts in goal for Longford in the absence of Stephen O'Brien, sent off in Tuesday 3-1 home defeat to St Patrick's Athletic.
Though left-back Seán Prunty remains out with a knee problem, central defenders Stephen Paisley and Brian McGovern return from injuries.
Injury-hit Bohemians, without a win in three games, won't be happy with the timing of a clash with rivals Shamrock Rovers, buoyant after their 4-0 win over Waterford on Monday.
Shay Kelly is fit to resume in goal, defender Thomas Heary is over a thigh strain while winger James Keddy returns from suspension to provide manager Stephen Kenny with a much needed fillip ahead of the clash at Dalymount Park.
However, leading scorer Glen Crowe again looks like missing out with a combination of knee and hamstring problems. Colin Hawkins and Ken Oman remain sidelined with injuries.
Pat Deans, Derek Tracey and Jason McGuinness all trained for Rovers having missed Monday's game, though Liam Kelly (groin) is likely to miss out again.
Waterford are glad of an immediate return to Richmond Park to face St Patrick's Athletic with manager Alan Reynolds sweating on the fitness of topscorer Willie Bruton (calf) and midfielder David Mulcahy (groin). Paul Leahy continues to deputise at left-back for club captain John Frost who remains unfit due to a hamstring strain.
Karim El Khebir returns from suspension for St Patrick's. Former Irish youth international Desmond Byrne, signed on a short-term deal after his release by Carlisle, comes into the squad.
Gary Rogers continues in goal for Drogheda as Tony O'Dowd (cracked rib) continues his rehabilitation. Midfielder Gavin Whelan needs to pass a late fitness test on a hamstring strain to make the bench.
Tonight'sFixtures
(7.45 unless stated)
NATIONAL LEAGUE - Premier Division: Bohemians v Shamrock Rovers; Drogheda Utd v Dublin City; Shelbourne v Longford Town; St Patrick's Ath v Waterford Utd. First Division: Athlone Town v Limerick FC; Bray Wanderers v Kildare County; Finn Harps v Sligo (8.00); Galway Utd v Cobh Ramblers (7.30); Monaghan Utd v UCD (8.00).
