20.00 5 Jun 2015 -
Referee:
League Preview: Shamrock Rovers -v- Sligo Rovers
- Dave Donnelly
- Thu, Jun 04 2015
SHAMROCK ROVERS
Shamrock Rovers aim to put the disappointment of their FAI Cup loss to St Patrick's Athletic behind them as they welcome Sligo Rovers to Tallaght Stadium (Friday, KO 8pm).
The problem for Pat Fenlon is that his side's league form has been disappointing, and three draws from five has seen them slip ten points behind league leaders Dundalk, while his previously rock-solid defence has creaked since Dave Webster was injured at Bray in April.
The long-term absence of striker Danny North has forced Fenlon to rely on 20-year-old Mikey Drennan, but the youngster's early flurry of goals has subsided and the midfield hasn't been able to pick up the slack.
Midfielder Pat Cregg joins North on the missing list after picking up his fifth booking of the season in Inchicore, but Webster returned to the bench for that game and could be in line to make his return this weekend.
SLIGO ROVERS
Sligo Rovers will hope to keep a three-game unbeaten run going at Tallaght Stadium, having recorded home victories over Drogheda United and Crumlin United either side of a 1-1 draw at Derry City.
Manager Owen Heary told the club's website: “Looking back at the last time we played them we did play well but two mistakes in the game cost us. But we can’t be looking back at previous games, we are just looking forward now.
“They lost their last game to St. Pat’s last week so they will be chomping at the bit to get a win this time. We have been getting better slowly but surely and there is a lot more confidence in the team. We have also been playing much better football in our last few games.
“I think it could be a very tight game. Set pieces will be important for both teams. They have McPhail and Fahey who are dangerous from set plays but we have Ledwith and Cawley. So I expect it to be tight but hopefully we can come away with the win and the three points.”
Heary can once again call on John Russell and Alan Keane following injury absences, meaning long-term injured Jeff Henderson is the only player forced to sit this one out.
Referee: Padraigh Sutton.
MATCH STATS
Shamrock Rovers and Sligo Rovers met three times in the league last season, with the Hoops running out 1-0 winners on each occasion.
Shamrock Rovers won the side's only previous meeting this season, Mikey Drennan and Sean O'Connor helping the Tallaght side to a 2-1 victory at the Showgrounds.
BETTING
Shamrock Rovers 8/15; Draw 11/4; Sligo Rovers 11/2.
PREDICTION
Shamrock Rovers 1 – 0 Sligo Rovers
Shamrock Rovers
Injured: Danny North (knee).
Doubtful: David Webster (ankle).
Suspended: Pat Cregg.
Sligo Rovers
Injured: Jeff Henderson (foot).
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: None.