Paddy McLaughlin is under no illusion about the scale of the task of facing his Cliftonville side as they head to Windsor Park to take on Linfield this afternoon.
The Reds boss believes all the clubs look at the Blues as "their biggest challenge", and with four league title wins in a row it's easy to see why that's the case.
Linfield have also bolstered their attacking options with the recruitment of Northern Ireland international Kyle Lafferty earlier this week.
Read more: Ex-Irish League defender recalls earning Kirk Hunter respect with 50-50 tackle
McLaughlin, though, knows victory for his side at Windsor Park would open up a seven-point gap over the reigning champions with 11 games to play.
"I'm sure like most everybody looks at Linfield as their biggest challenge, especially away from home," said the Reds boss.
"It will be really difficult, but we're on a good run of form at the minute, the boys have been excellent individually and collectively.
"We're going into the game full of confidence and knowing we could put a bit of distance between ourselves and Linfield.
"Even though it's only February it would be nice to have that bit of breathing space because we know they will come strong in the run-in.
"It's another big game and another one to look forward to. Against the champions it's going to be a big ask for us but we're ready for it."
Linfield haven't been without their problems this season, especially against their top six rivals with only two wins in eleven games so far.
They suffered again last Saturday as Larne dumped them out of the Irish Cup on penalties, but with Lafferty in line to make his debut for his new club McLaughlin is expecting a response from David Healy's men.
"It's a sign of a champion team and champion players that they respond to setbacks," said the Cliftonville boss.
"That's why they are where they are at.
"It's important that we try to put that recovery back another week."
After their trip to Linfield the Reds have to face fellow title challengers Larne, Glentoran and Crusaders before the split.
"It's a massive finish to the season for us, big asks and big tasks," said McLaughlin.
"We've almost got a split before the split because we play the full-time teams in our next four games with Portadown in there as well.
"We play them now and then again after the split.
"Big games require big names to step forward. We'll need that every week from now until the end of the season.
"The boys will look forward to it and take the challenge on, and if they keep doing what they're doing sure you never know where it will take us."
READ NEXT:
- Institute FC share 'delight' as they update fans on stadium bid
Linfield fans react to Kyle Lafferty signing and issue early warning
NI Football League announces post-split change to ramp up title drama
Dwight Yorke makes outrageous Celtic and Rangers claim as he targets job
Sign up to our free sports newsletter to get the latest headlines to your inbox.
