The League of Ireland does not allow slow starts anymore.
If last season taught us anything, it's that the early points matter.
For Shamrock Rovers, who have built their dominance on patience and long-term vision, the reality of the modern league may hit them hard with a defeat tonight.
As they travel to Tolka Park to face the champions, the stakes feel as high as ever – even this early in the campaign.
A loss here after their opening defeat to Bohemians in the Aviva wouldn’t just be a bad start, it would feel like a mild crisis for a side who have just come off a historic European campaign.
For a club that has grown accustomed to shaking off early-season blips and still romping to titles, things are different now.
The league is stronger, the challengers are more prepared, and the margin for error is vanishing.
That is why tonight’s game is of far greater importance to Rovers than it is to Shelbourne.
A win for Damien Duff’s side would be a hammer blow to them, not just on the table, but psychologically.
Shelbourne proved last season that a fast start can be maintained, and a result this evening would have the rest of the league watching nervously.
Rovers have had the luxury of extra recovery time, following their European heroics, as their home fixture against Cork was postponed due to last weekend’s brutal weather.
The departure of key players like Neil Farrugia, Johnny Kenny and Daragh Burns in the recent window has left Rovers looking thinner than in previous seasons.
They have put their trust in young talent, and while that can often be rewarding, it’s also a massive risk.
These players aren’t just stepping into any side, they’re being asked to maintain the standards of a team that expects to win everything. That’s a lot of pressure.
If Rovers are to avoid an early slip that could define their season, they will need senior figures like Graham Burke, Dylan Watts, and Roberto Lopes to take charge.
The energy of young stars is crucial but tonight's is a game that demands leadership.
Heading into the season, I was guilty of thinking Shelbourne would struggle to retain their title.
Not only did I think they would struggle to retain the trophy, but I felt there were three teams more equipped ahead of them.
They had been ruthless in their application last season, but could they repeat it?
Three games into the campaign, including the President's Cup, and it’s already clear that those doubts were misplaced.
Damien Duff’s side have improved, not just maintained their level but actually got better.
The 4-4-2 system that they’ve embraced has allowed Sean Boyd and Mipo Odubeko to thrive together up front, forming a strike partnership that is already quite impressive.
It’s not just the attack that’s impressive. Shelbourne’s defensive structure is as solid as ever.
In a league where teams are constantly looking for an edge, Shelbourne’s ability to do the basics well is what sets them apart.
A win tonight wouldn’t just put three points on the board, it would send a message.
A message that last year wasn’t just a one-off. A message that, if you want to win this league, you’re going to have to take it from them.
The dynamic of this game is fascinating. For either side, a draw wouldn’t be the worst result.
Shelbourne are in a strong position, and avoiding defeat against one of their biggest rivals would keep them moving in the right direction.
For Shamrock Rovers, it’s different. It’s not quite 'must win' territory yet, but it feels very much 'must not lose'.
If they fall nine points behind Shelbourne this early in the season, albeit with a game in hand, the pressure will be relentless.
Other teams – Derry, St Pat’s, Bohemians, and even Galway – will quietly sense weakness.
The idea that Rovers can always claw back those early season deficits won’t be taken for granted anymore.
This is a game that feels too early for outright title implications, but not too early for dire consequences.
Rovers can’t really afford another defeat, but Shelbourne know that they have the power to land a hammer blow.
Expect a tense, tight battle. Rovers might just scrape something, but if they don’t, the narrative of their season could take a vastly different turn.
