League Preview: Sligo Rovers -v- Shamrock Rovers
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SLIGO ROVERS
Following on from last week's 3-0 humbling at the hands of league leaders Dundalk, Sligo Rovers face another stiff test on Sunday afternoon when they host fourth placed Shamrock Rovers.
With Dundalk looking an increasingly formidable outfit, Sligo manager Ian Baraclough will be hoping his side can hit an urgently needed purple patch starting with Sunday's clash with Shamrock Rovers.
Speaking ahead of Sunday's game Baraclough said: “It hurt us in Dundalk. We felt that on Friday night and in the days afterwards but we then had to focus on this game from the early part of the week.”
“You can't dwell on negatives or what you can't change. You put your focus on the next game, thats what we have done and it's a match we are very much looking forward to.”
“There is undoubtedly something special when the two Rovers meet. The games always show that. We see it as an ideal scenario to try to bounce back from the defeat last week. It’s a Sunday afternoon game, there’ll be a great atmosphere and it’s an eagerly-anticipated game with one of our rivals around us in the table.”
The Bit o' Red will sweat over the fitness of the returning trio of Alan Keane (knee and thigh), Joseph Ndo (calf) and Raffaele Cretaro (calf) with a decision on the participation of all three set to be made in the build-up to the game.
One definite absentee for Sligo will be long serving centre-half Gavin Peers who misses out with a knee problem.
SHAMROCK ROVERS
The travelling Hoops faithful will make the trip west hoping their side can take home three points that would see them leapfrog near neighbours St. Patrick's Athletic into third place in the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division table.
After enduring a frustrating night in last week's Dublin Derby with Bohemians, Rovers manager Trevor Croly believes that Sligo's attacking style of play will suit his side better than that of the stifling approach deployed by Bohs last week.
“Sunday will be a different game against Sligo. When you see where they are in the league, they will need to win the game and I think it is a match that will suit us.”
“It is always a good game against Sligo. They had a poor result last week so there will be a reaction from them but more importantly we are have prepared well for the match. We have had a good lead-in to the game and we are looking forward to it.”
Croly faces a selection headache at left-back with Luke Byrne (cartilage) and Sean Heaney (calf) sidelined whilst cracked ribs rule playmaker Stephen McPhail out.
Referee: Graham Kelly (Cork)
MATCH STATS
The last time the two sides met was in a league game at Tallaght Stadium back in late March. An early goal from Ryan Brennan was enough to give Shamrock Rovers a 1-0 home victory on that particular occasion.
Should Shamrock Rovers emerge from Sunday's encounter without defeat, they will have extended their unbeaten league run to eight games.
The first competitive meeting between the two clubs was back in October 1934 when a 3-3 draw at the Showgrounds saw Shamrock Rovers claim their fifth League of Ireland Shield title.
BETTING
Sligo Rovers 13/10; draw 21/10; Shamrock Rovers 21/10
PREDICTION
A scoreless draw
Sligo Rovers:
Injured: Gavin Peers (knee)
Doubtful: Alan Keane (knee and thigh), Joseph Ndo (calf), Raffaele Cretaro (calf)
Suspended: None
Shamrock Rovers:
Injured: Sean Heaney (hamstring), Stephen McPhail (rib), Luke Byrne (cartilage)
Doubtful: None
Suspended: None
