Sligo Rovers -v- Dundalk

Sligo Rovers host Dundalk at the Showgrounds on Tuesday night in what is a huge game for their title ambitions (kick-off 7.45).

Paul Cook's men currently occupy top spot with Shamrock Rovers, but could move three points clear with a win – Shamrock Rovers are not in action until Wednesday when they take on Bohemians.

All signs point to a home win, Dundalk are without a win in seven games at the moment and have not won in Sligo for over two years.

Dundalk will be without striker Jason Byrne who sits out through a ban, and young defender Carl McHugh misses both the trip to Sligo and Saturday’s home game against Derry City as he is away with the Republic of Ireland U19 squad in Bulgaria.

The Lilywhites remain without long-term injury victims, left-back Eoghan Osborne (fractured tibia), central midfielder Stephen Maher (fractured metatarsal) and centre-half Colin Hawkins (knee).However, manager Ian Foster is boosted by the return of 21-goal Mark Quigley and experienced central midfielder Dean Bennett from suspension.

Sligo boss Cook will be without Iarfhlaith Davoren and Raffaele Cretaro who are both suspended but Richie Ryan returns from a ban while Jason McGuinness and Eoin Doyle return from injury.

Speaking before the crunch game Cook said: “It is important when you’re top of the league to keep the pressure on the teams around. That is why it is important we got the game to go ahead last Saturday and get points on the board.

“We’re going well at the minute and I think the players, committee and fans are all on the same page so we will try to keep it going on Tuesday. We had a brilliant crowd against Galway and I’m sure we’ll have the same against Dundalk.”

Sligo Rovers

Injured: None.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: Iarfhlaith Davoren and Raffaele Cretaro.

Dundalk

Injured: Eoghan Osborne, Stephen Maher, Colin Hawkins.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: Jason Byrne.

International Duty: Carl McHugh

 Referee: D. Hancock

Paddy Power odds: Sligo Rovers 1/5; Draw 5/1; Dundalk 11/1.

Extratime prediction: Sligo Rovers 4-0 Dundalk