Finn Harps are chasing a fourth league win on the spin.
But Ollie Horgan claims their only chance of an upset tonight is if Dundalk are suffering a European hangover.
Harps banked 13 points from a possible 18 since the summer break and have moved six points clear of bottom side UCD - but have played one game more.
And while they held Dundalk to a point in the second game of the season, Harps have twice lost 3-0 to the Lilywhites since then.
After a run of three 1-0 wins in the league, Horgan said: “Dundalk are a serious team who have played in the Champions League and Europa League in the last month.
“That’s the type of standard we have to try and match at Oriel Park.
“Our lads are realistic to know that it’s going to take some performance and a lot of luck to even get a point against a side that’s very well placed to win the title again.”
Horgan continued: “We’ll have to hope that they’re well below par for us to have a chance.
“But we’re not complaining. Our lads would rather be going to Oriel Park tonight than playing anywhere in the First Division.”
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