Cork City have the perfect opportunity to lay down a marker for their Airtricity League title credentials this year when champions Dundalk visit Turner's Cross on Saturday.
Although we're only five games into the season, a victory for the Leesiders would see them open up a six point gap on Stephen Kenny's men.
The southerners have scored 13 goals in their first five league matches conceding only three and will be eager capitalise on Dundalk's loss at Derry earlier this month.
Dundalk players dedjected at the end of the President's Cup. Image: ©INPHO/Ryan Byrne
Dundalk have lost back-to-back games against Cork with a last minute goal costing them the FAI Cup at the end of last season. They also were well beaten 3-0 in the season's curtain raiser - The President's Cup.
On Saturday, we face @DundalkFC at Turner's Cross. Tickets are selling fast, buy now to avoid disappointment. Be there... #CCFC84 pic.twitter.com/jjdVLnh22f
— Cork City FC (@CorkCityFC) March 22, 2017
The champions are still adapting to their new squad with a number of additons made over the off-season to compensate for the loss of Daryl Horgan, Andy Boyle and Ronan Finn among others.
Of course should Cork take all three points and open a six point gap over Dundalk, it's too early in the season to describe it as an insurmountable lead but it will lay down a marker.
Derry City are also flying high with four wins from four and will no doubt ride the tide of emotion which they will carry for the remainder of the season after the tragic events of this week.
Tonight all eyes will be on the Aviva Stadium but tomorrow they will be focused on Turner's Cross.
