Daniel Cleary feels Dundalk are ready to find their stride again after coming unstuck at home last week.
The champions blew a 2-0 lead against Derry City at Oriel Park and had to settle for a point after a Candystripes second-half fightback.
Shamrock Rovers are not in action as their Finn Harps clash was brought forward to March due to Tallaght hosting last night’s U17s clash between Ireland and Belgium.
So the Lilywhites can move level on points and games with the Hoops if they win - but third-placed Bohs will leapfrog them into second if they prevail.
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Centre-back Cleary said: “We’re disappointed with how the game finished last week. We were 2-0 up and we wanted to see it out so it’s disappointing to drop points.
“We came out flying in the second-half and got in front, so to not win it from there was frustrating and we shouldn’t do that - we have to learn from it.
“We’ve high standards and we want to keep them high. It won’t be easy as Bohs are a good side and they’re up there too.
“We had a tough game against them a few weeks ago at Oriel so we know what to expect but hopefully we can bounce back with a win.”
Dundalk’s midfield options remain depleted as Robbie Benson is still not fit after a broken leg while Jamie McGrath is out again and Jordan Flores is a doubt.
Ace striker Patrick Hoban is also suspended after his red card against Derry last Friday.
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“We need to push on and we want to push on,” said Dundalk first-team coach John Gill.
“The last 15 minutes against Derry, we lacked a little bit of concentration.
“The players have been magnificent though. Their application, their professionalism and their dedication has been absolutely brilliant.”
Gill added: “I’ve no doubt they’ll bounce back because we’re in a good place. Other people may not see it that way but we know as a group that we are. “We know what’s at stake tonight and so do Bohs. They want to leapfrog us and it’s going to be a massive game in front of a packed house.”
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