League Preview: Sligo Rovers -v- Shamrock Rovers

SLIGO ROVERS

Sligo Rovers currently occupy 8^th place in the Premier Division table and can still mathematically finish in 7^th ahead of Derry City but the chances of that happening are quite slim.

With Gerard Lyttle departing the club in recent weeks and Liam Buckley set to now take over for the 2019 season, Brian Dorrian will act as caretaker manager for the final time on the Sligo Rovers touchline this evening.

“I was pleased by our display on Monday night. We competed really well, we were organised and the disappointment was not winning the game” said Dorrian as he looked ahead to tonight’s league fixture.

“We probably needed to create a bit more in the second half but overall it was good. The young player acquitted themselves well. The ovation Liam Kerrigan received was telling for his performance for example.

“These three games we faced the champions and the two form teams in the country. You only have to look at the run Shamrock Rovers are on to know what a test it’ll be. But that’s good because I think these are great matches to find out about our players and for our young lads to develop. They’re coming up against the best.

“I’d love to see a big crowd for the final game. There’ll be another chapter for Sligo Rovers in 2019 with a new manager and many these players will be part of it. I’d really love to finish the season with a big performance and a win. It’s a game for the players to express themselves.”

Adam Wixted returns to the squad but Regan Donelon and Gary Boylan remain out injured.

SHAMROCK ROVERS

A very strong end to the season for Stephen Bradley’s team has ensured they will finish in 3^rd position in the league and more importantly have secured European football for next season as well.

Unbeaten in their last seven league games since a derby defeat at home to rivals Bohemians, Rovers have responded extremely well in recent weeks and will be hoping to extend that figure to eight games without defeat at the Showgrounds this evening.

Their away form this season has been mixed with seven wins and six defeats from seventeen games with four draws on the road as well.

Bradley’s side will be confident travelling west after a morale boosting 3-1 home win against nearest rivals Waterford last Friday night which all but ensured a third place finish for the season.

“It was great to get the win and get third place. I thought we played really well and deserved the win in the end. We could have won by a couple more, we were very good.” said Bradley after the win against Waterford.

“We’ve been keeping clean sheets but it’s more than just a back four and a goalkeeper. Our central midfield has been excellent; the players in front of them have been giving them protection. That has all added up to a lot of clean sheets and it gives us a platform to go and play our attacking football.”

Looking ahead to tonight’s game Bradley is fully aware his side will be tested this evening despite it being the last game of the league campaign.

Ahead of the game he said, “The Sligo team going forward can cause anyone problems. I’ve watched them a few times this season and I’ve come away thinking that they’ve been involved in a lot of games that they’ve lost by narrow margins. Their attacking players cause the opposition a lot of problems and tomorrow will be no different when they’re on the ball. They’ve some good players and they’ll look to cause us issues.

“We want to go to the Showgrounds and win, we want to end the season with a win and keep up our good form. We know Sligo will come out and want to end their season on a high, considering they’re at home. It’s going to be a tough one but we’re playing well and full of confidence.”

Sean Kavanagh returns from his recent injury with Aaron Greene facing a late fitness test ahead of the game. Roberto Lopes will miss the game after surgery to repair broken fingers.

MATCH STATS

These sides have met on three occasions in the league so far this season with Shamrock Rovers winning both games at Tallaght Stadium with the other meeting at the Showgrounds ending 0-0.

Shamrock Rovers have picked up thirty one points on the road so far this season from a possible fifty one available to them.

Sligo Rovers haven’t had the best of seasons in the Showgrounds in front of their own fans picking up just thirteen points from a possible fifty one available.

BETTING

Sligo Rovers 7/2; Draw 3/1; Shamrock Rovers 8/13

PREDICTION

Sligo Rovers 0 - 2 Shamrock Rovers

Sligo Rovers

Injured: Regan Donelon, Gary Boylan

Doubtful: Lee Lynch

Suspended: None

Shamrock Rovers

Injured Roberto Lopes

Doubtful: Aaron Greene

Suspended: None