Drogheda United will be hoping to widen the gap on last-placed Bray Wanderers when the sides meet at the Carlisle Grounds tonight, kick-off 7.45pm.
Eoghan Osborne is a doubt for Drogheda, while Damien Brennan, Robbie Martin and Darragh McNamara are all out.
Garreth O'Connor is suspended, while Brian King has left the squad citing work commitments.
United's interim manager Darius Kierans said: “It is undoubtedly the biggest game of the season so far for this team. I trained with the players last night and I told them that they weren't playing within themselves.
“Bray will be looking at this as their chance to catch us and it's not going to be easy, but I've just been trying to get some confidence back into the squad and we will be going into the game with a positive mentality.”
Wanderers will be missing at least five players for the clash as Richie Baker (back), Stephen Brennan (hamstring), David Tyrrell(ankle), David O'Neill (groin) and Dean Zambra (knee) are all ruled out.
And there are doubts about the availability of Robbie Doyle (ankle), Jake Kelly (ankle), Chris Shields (ankle) and John Mulroy (calf ).
Manager Eddie Gormley said: “The two of us are scrapping it out at the bottom and its going to be tough and close.
“The players have worked hard in the week we had free and we are all focused on getting a result tonight.”