League Preview: Sligo Rovers -v- Shamrock Rovers

SLIGO ROVERS

The Bit O’Red will be looking to bounce back from their heart-breaking FAI Cup defeat at home to Dundalk when they welcome Shamrock Rovers to the Showgrounds this evening (kick-off 8pm).

Sligo Rovers have had an impressive record against Stephen Bradley’s side this year, winning, drawing and losing once.

With a difficult defeat to take on the chin last week, Sligo boss Buckley is hopeful that his side can consolidate their league position over the final few weeks of the season, starting this evening.

“I couldn’t fault the players last Sunday. They gave everything and all through this season they’ve worked extremely hard,” the former St Pats boss told his club’s media team.

 “It didn’t go our way, but we still have four games left in our year and we want to consolidate our position. 

“We were back at it this week and we’d like to finish the season as competitively as we can. We’d have to go on a run to catch the teams above us but what I want is to finish with some performances befitting our best this season. 

“We will have to make some changes in coming games because of injuries and suspensions. That said we’ll still be putting out teams to try to win matches and that can win matches. 

“Shamrock Rovers is a tough game as we know, we’d like to maintain our home record and get a result.”

Romeo Parkes will miss the remainder of the season with a long-term injury so he will play no part on Saturday evening.

Ronan Coughlan is rated as doubtful while former Dundalk forward Ronan Murray is out as he serves the first of a three-game ban.

SHAMROCK ROVERS

Looking to build on a seismic win away to Bohemians in the FAI Cup, Shamrock Rovers travel to the Showgrounds to face Sligo Rovers.

The Hoops impressed last week at Dalymount Park, and they know that they will have to turn in a similar performance this week should they secure a win in the North-West.

However, they will have to manage without the services of both Lee Grace and Greg Bolger who both miss out with suspension.

Republic of Ireland under-21 international Neil Farrugia is expected to feature at some point as he continues his return to full fitness.

“We need to be at our best to get a result tomorrow night,” Bradley told his club’s media team.  

“I think Sligo have shown that already this year when they beat us up there. We’ll be fully focused, we want to go and win the game.

“There’s four games left in the league and we want to win all four. That’s our aim.

“Lee Grace and Greg Bolger are suspended but there’s no injuries. Neil Farrugia has been involved the last couple of games and it’s great to have him back in training with no issues.

“It’s just about getting him onto the pitch now and getting minutes into him.”

Referee: Graham Kelly.

MATCH STATS

Shamrock Rovers have not won at the Showgrounds since March 2016 – where they won by two goals to nil with strikes from both Brandon Miele and Danny North.

The Bit O’Red were unbeaten in previous three competitive games prior to their crushing FAI Cup semi-final defeat at home Dundalk last week.

The Hoops have only lost once in their previous ten games – with a defeat away to Dundalk being their only blot on the copybook in recent weeks.

BETTING

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

PREDICTION

Sligo Rovers 0 – 2 Shamrock Rovers

Sligo Rovers

Injured: Romeo Parkes.

Doubtful: Ronan Coughlan.

Suspended: Ronan Murray.

Shamrock Rovers

Injured: None.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: Lee Grace, Greg Bolger.