League Preview: Sligo Rovers -v- Galway United

SLIGO ROVERS

Sligo Rovers will be looking to pick themselves up after a heavy defeat on Monday night when they host Galway United at the Showgrounds on Saturday night (kick-off 7.45pm).

The Bit O’Red find themselves in second place in the Premier Division, albeit in a very tightly packed mid-table and they suffered just their second loss of the season, and their first in four games, when they were beaten 3-0 by St Patrick’s Athletic on Monday.

The Saints ran into a 2 goal lead by half-time courtesy of Luke Turner and Mason Melia came off the bench to add a third late in the game to give John Russell’s side a comprehensive defeat.

That result meant mixed fortunes for Rovers last weekend having beaten Waterford 1-0 on the Friday night.

Ahead of the game, former Galway United player, and now Rovers manager John Russell spoke to the club’s website.

“We’re delighted to be back in the Showgrounds in front of our own fans on Saturday for what will be a massive game”, he said.

“Galway have started the season well which is no surprise. They kept the core group that ran away with the First Division and added good quality in the off season.

“As always, we must focus on ourselves and play to our strengths. It’s a home game and we’re expecting an electric atmosphere given it’s the first Connacht derby since our EA Sports Cup win down there in 2018. I know the players are relishing the challenge ahead and hopefully we can put in a top performance.

In team news, John Mahon is still absent with a long-term injury, while JR Wilson also continues his recovery and won’t be available on Saturday.

The Monday night game was also costly as Nando Pijnaker broke ribs after a collision during the game and will be sidelined for a period.

That collision was with goalkeeper Ed McGinty, and he faces a late fitness test after coming off during the game in Richmond Park earlier this week.

Finally, Simon Power is serving the second of a three-match ban after his sending off during Sligo’s game against Waterford.

GALWAY UNITED

Galway United also had mixed fortunes last weekend – an impressive away win against Derry City, with Stephen Walsh getting on the scoresheet, was dampened somewhat by a sluggish Monday night performance as they were beaten 0-2 at home by Bohemians.

Despite their resolute defending on most occasions, and the lack of goals conceded generally so far this season, United will have been disappointed when Jevon Mills and James Akintunde scored via two set-pieces on Monday night.

“Sligo have a great history, and obviously we have a good history as well but want to have local derbies and you want to have that bit of banter and craic between the only two teams in Connacht,” manager John Caulfield said, speaking to Galway Bay FM.

“So hopefully it will be a cracking game and obviously we’re hoping we can come out on the right end of it.”

In team news – United are boosted by the return of striker Wasssim Aouachria who came off the bench for his first appearance of the season on Monday having missed out due to a pre-season injury.

The former Waterford man could be key in Galway improving their goalscoring rate having only scored five times in their opening eight games.

Garry Buckley and Colm Horgan are still unlikely to feature due to injury.

Referee: Robert Harvey

MATCH STATS

The sides have not met competitively since the 2018 edition of the League Cup – Rovers emerging victorious at Eamonn Deacy Park on that occasion.

Out of 48 games at the Showgrounds between the sides Sligo have won 28, drawn 16 and lost just four times.

Galway United’s last league win at the Showgrounds was in 1996.

BETTING

Sligo Rovers 6/4; Draw 21/10; Galway United 13/8.

PREDICTION

Sligo Rovers 0–1 Galway United

Sligo Rovers

Injured: JR Wilson, John Mahon, Nando Pijnaker.

Doubtful: Ed McGinty.

Suspended: Simon Power.

Galway United

Injured: None.

Doubtful: Colm Horgan, Garry Buckley.

Suspended: None.