FAI Cup preview: Big sides set for early FAI Cup exit ahead of quarter-finals
And yet, there remains a continental theme to tonight's game as the competition offers a viable route into Europe, especially with the league proving so competitive once again this season.
Four wins is all it will take for one of the remaining sides to secure that coveted place, and some big teams are set to tumble this weekend with eight top-flight sides drawn against each other, while at least two First Division teams will be in the draw for the quarter-finals.
Two of those all-Premier Division ties take place this evening with Sligo Rovers and Bohemians going head-to-head, while Cork City take the short hop east to face neighbours Waterford.
Contrasting seasons in the league for the Sligo and Bohs with the two teams sitting second from bottom and second from top respectively, however, the three games between the two sides have been competitive.
Sligo have only taken one point from Bohs but they will bring a strong element of confidence into this one despite coming into the game off back-to-back defeats.
John Russell's side looked to be really improving last month and will welcome the distraction of the cup to start to build momentum for a vital league run in.
And the manager also sees a great opportunity for the side to remain in the competition going into the business end of the season.
"It's a massive opportunity for both sides", said Russell. "You have four top-flight teams that are guaranteed to be knocked out this weekend and if you can make it through, with a bit of luck you might find yourself with a decent draw in a quarter-final.
"We are yet to beat Bohs this season but all three games between us have been extremely tight. I expect Friday will be just as competitive.
"We're looking for a more settled performance. We know we have more than enough in us to get through and of course Bohs will be very strong at home.
"I don't like the old cliches and that anything can happen. You need to be properly prepared and you need to make happen, what you want to happen.
"I have huge belief in this group and this a big opportunity for them. It's not a secret around Sligo that we would dearly love to go far in this competition this year."
Jad Hakiki is Sligo's only injury concern, struggling with a hamstring injury, while defender Paddy McClean is available after his recent red card was rescinded.
Cork City are another Premier Division side that will welcome the change of scene as they go on the road to the RSC to face Waterford.
The relegation-threatened Turner's Cross outfit, like Sligo, have looked a lot stronger in recent weeks, and while league survival remains the main objective, they will also look to take confidence into tonight's game.
Waterford will be buoyed by a recent victory over their Munster rivals, however, they have proved inconsistent this season and are unlikely to challenge for a top-three place in the league.
The cup looks like their best route to success this season with defeat potentially making for a long, laborious, and fruitless, end to the campaign.
Galway United are one of the two Premier Division sides to be handed lower league opponents, however, it should be a lively affair at Eamonn Deacy Park as a derby game awaits against one-time league side Salthill Devon.
The Galway outfit, who currently ply their trade in the Galway & District League, have given up home advantage to take the tie to Terryland – they have won their respective title for the past four years.
United showed promise early on in the league, however, they are in danger of getting dragged into a relegation battle, and anything other than a comfortable victory tonight could further damage confidence ahead of the run-in.
The other two ties tonight sees four second-tier sides going head-to-head for attractive quarter-final action later in the competition.
Bray Wanderers will be making the 530km round journey to Finn Park for the second time in 12 days to face Finn Harps, and are boosted by the news that defender Harvey Warren, midfielder Jamie Ryan and on-loan winger Matthew Britton have all resumed first-team training. But midfielder Sean Brennan and striker Danú Kinsella Bishop are both doubts.
"It should be an exciting Cup tie with both sides fancying their chances to progress to a Quarter Final" said coach Paul Heffernan.
"We know all about what Finn Harps are going to bring to the game. But we are more focused on ourselves, and we need to make sure we perform to our level."
Cobh Ramblers' season is still very much alive as they look to rein in Dundalk at the top of the First Division, and it could get even better by securing a quarter-final berth.
However, they face a much-improved Kerry side and it should be a competitive affair as the Mounthawk Park outfit will have a real go as they look to make it through to the last eight for the first time in their history.
Kerry knocked Cobh out of the cup last season away from home and will be looking to repeat the feat on their home turf tonight.
Colin Healy's side will be without Sean McGrath, Ryan Kelliher and Nathan Gleeson through injury, while Daniel Okwute is suspended, and Ewan Lee is cup-tied, having played for UCC in the first round. Tim-Oliver Hiemer is nearer to a return after a broken finger, and Luke Palmer has returned to training after an ankle injury.
"I'm sure there will be a buzz in Mounthawk Park," said Healy. "The fans will be in full voice, and we are all looking forward to it.
"It's a special cup. You have a chance to go to the Aviva, which is amazing. The players are looking forward to it, I'm looking forward to it, and hopefully it will be a good night for everybody."
There is one game up for decision on Saturday as Derry City host Drogheda United at the Ryan McBride Brandywell.
One of the cup favourites will bow out at the holders take on the Premier Division's third-placed team, and another will follow on Sunday as outgoing league champions Shelbourne face off in a Dublin derby against St Patrick's Athletic.
Shamrock Rovers Longford on Sunday evening.
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