League Preview: Dundalk -v- Sligo Rovers

DUNDALK

Dundalk will look to bounce back from just their second defeat of the season as they host Sligo Rovers on Friday night (kick-off 7.45pm).

The Lilywhites fell to a second away defeat in three days when they were edged out 2-1 by Waterford at the RSC on Friday night.

Ismahil Akinade scored twice during a damaging end to the first half that also saw the Lilywhites lose captain Stephen O'Donnell to serious leg break.

Ronan Murray pulled one back for Dundalk but, despite their best efforts, the visitors couldn't manufacture an equaliser after the break.

“From our point of view, the players have been playing very well,” Lilywhites boss Stephen Kenny told the club's official website.

“Our home form has been very good. We have put in a number of good performances this season.

“We were disappointed to lose to Waterford last weekend but the players have been very good and we want to bounce back again.

“We have been scoring goals at home, the players have been playing confidence at Oriel Park and hopefully we can win the game.”

Kenny will be without Karolis Chvedukas, Sam Byrne and Stephen O'Donnelly with injury, while John Mountney will be assessed late on.

SLIGO ROVERS

Sligo Rovers slipped back into eighth position with a 2-0 home defeat to Bohemians on Saturday night.

Danny Grant scored twice as the Bit o' Red surrendered ground in the battle to avoid relegation to their opponents on the night.

"There was a lot of negativity after the defeat to Bohemians and rightly so,” manager Gerard Lyttle told the club's website.

“I think the criticism of the performance was somewhat harsh and people jumped on that but we haven't done enough to win the game and we didn't create anywhere near enough.

“It's something we have to improve on. Bohs had two shots and scored two goals so we were punished for not getting the goal when we were having the better of it.

"For me Dundalk are the benchmark for League of Ireland clubs in terms of squads, style of football, their manager. It's where we want to be.

“I felt in the previous meeting the teams were well matched and we made errors to concede the goals which we've tried to cut out.

“We need to be solid throughout on Friday and ensure any mistake Dundalk makes counts for us.”

Lyttle has Adam Morgan back following a three-game lay-off and Seamus Sharkey also returns, but goalkeeper Micheál Schlingermann remains on the sidelines.

Referee: Tomás Connolly.

MATCH STATS

Dundalk ran out 2-0 winners at the Showgrounds earlier this season thanks to goals in either half from Pa Hoban and Michael Duffy.

The Lilywhites won 4-0 home and away last season before the final meeting between the sides at the Showgrounds finished scoreless.

BETTING

Dundalk 2/9; Draw 4/1; Sligo Rovers 10/1.

PREDICTION

Dundalk 3 – 0 Sligo Rovers

Dundalk

Injured: Sam Byrne (hamstring), Karolis Chvedukas (ankle), Stephen O'Donnell (leg) .

Doubtful: John Mountney (knee).

Suspended: None.

Sligo Rovers

Injured: Micheál Schlingermann (neck).

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.