League Preview: Shamrock Rovers -v- Sligo Rovers

SHAMROCK ROVERS

Two teams with contrasting fortunes meet each other as a confidence-sapped Shamrock Rovers side host a revived Sligo Rovers side at Tallaght Stadium, with both teams looking for a win that will kick-start their seasons. (kick-off 8pm).

The most optimistic of Shamrock Rovers fans will hold on to the fact that Rovers have lost all their games by just one goal, and that three of those losses have come up against the top three from last year: Dundalk, Cork and Derry. They also lost the derby to St Pats after leading and having a man sent off.

So they most optimistic of fans can say that but you also have to look at their season in a pessimistic way too: they have also won all games by just one goal too.

This suggests they are not getting hammered in games but also not destroying teams in their wins. They have yet to keep a clean sheet in any league game so far this season.

Last time out, The Hoops went down 1-2 away to Drogheda United. An injury time own goal brought to an end ten-man Drogheda United’s record of failing to beat Rovers in the league at United Park since 2005 as the Louth side secured a well-deserved victory.

It looked like Forward Graham Burke rescued a point when he equalised in the 89^th minute but Drogheda got a winner with the own goal at the other end.

“It was devastating,” manager Stephen Bradley told a midweek press conference.

“I was there watching and it looked like we were the ones that were probably going to go and win the game after the penalty and the sending off but it went against us.

“We’ve been disappointed in the performance last week so it’s really important we get back to playing well and hopefully get a result tomorrow.”

Undoubtedly looking for three points against tomorrow’s opponents, Bradley was anticipating a tough game when asked what his thoughts were on Fridays opponents but like every Bradley press conference, he wants his team to just concentrate on themselves.

“We need to get back to try and pick up some points. Our points total probably doesn’t reflect how we’ve played, we should have more, we know that.

“Sometimes in football that happens, it goes against you a bit but we need to stick together and try and get back to winning ways.”

On the injury front, Bradley gave a positive update: “Paul Corry is getting there. He’s had an injection in his knee. He’s doing a bit of pitch work. He’s not going to be involved tomorrow.

“Ryan Connolly is struggling a bit with the foot injury. He shouldn’t be too far away, but other than that we’re ok."

SLIGO ROVERS

This will be the second game in temporary charge for Declan McIntyre.

The first game got a 2-0 home win against Bohemians last Saturday night to move Rovers up to tenth as both Jonah Ayunga and Michael Leahy scored their first Bit o’Red goals.

“Obviously whenever Sligo Rovers play Shamrock Rovers it will always be a big game and a special occasion,” McIntyre told the club's website.

“It is a fixture that stands out. We will go there looking forward to the challenge. We will be going there not under any pressure. I think the pressure will be on them so the shoe is on the other foot this time.

“I have worked with about 80% of their squad at some stage. They are a very young squad but a very talented one. It will take a season or two for them to bed in.

“I know Stephen Bradley and he is a lovely guy and the rest of the coaching staff too. It will take some time for them to bed in so I am not surprised they aren’t challenging for the league yet.”

McIntyre also said that the feeling in the camp this week was much improved following the morale-boosting victory over Bohemians.

“There is nothing like a win to boost confidence and belief in a squad of players.

“We got the 2-0 win and a clean sheet and when we were doing the video analysis there was a lot of good stuff from us in the game. The team are in good spirits now and have trained very well.”

Regan Donelon has missed most of this season with injury but returns to full training and availability this week after a scan was assessed by a specialist, showing no damage.

Referee: Neil Doyle

MATCH FACTS

Sligo got their first and only points away from home in the last outing, a 1-1 draw with Galway United.

The teams have met each other competitively 41 times, with the Dublin club coming out on top 22 times to Sligo’s 12. There have been 7 stalemates played out between the pair.

Both teams have scored an average of 2.4 in this fixture over the years, which shows there is the potential for goals in this game.

Shamrock Rovers' form in the last 5 League games: LWLLW

Sligo Rovers' last 5 League games: WDLWL

The Hoops are averaging 1.4 goals per game this season in their games and Sligo are averaging one.

The last two times the pair met in Tallaght Stadium, the Home Side were dominant, winning 5-1 in 2016 and 3-0 in 2015.

Shamrock Rovers have yet to keep a clean sheet or draw a game this season.

MATCH BETTING

Shamrock Rovers 8/13; Draw 27/10; Sligo Rovers 5/1.

PREDICTION

Shamrock Rovers 2-1 Sligo Rovers

Shamrock Rovers

Injured: Paul Corry (knee), Ryan Connolly (foot).

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

Sligo Rovers

Injured: None.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.