Top of the table St. Patrick’s Athletic return to league action with a tough visit to The Showgrounds to face Sligo Rovers on Saturday evening. (Kick-Off 7.45pm)
Paul Cook must plan without Matthew Blinkhorn, Alan Keane and Gary McCabe for Rovers' first game since beating UCD 2-0 at Belfield. Blinkhorn remains sidelined with an on-going back injury which has seen the striker miss out on several league matches prior to the World Cup break.
Either Paul Whelan or Derek Foran will cover for Keane who was sent off in the UCD game, while McCabe is also continuing to serve a ban.
Nine wins from their 16 games so far leaves St Pats with a one point advantage over Bohemians.
The Saints squad have enjoyed the break, and apart from Gareth Coughlan (leg), Derek Pender (knee) and Neil Harney (ankle), the squad is fit and ready to face the Bit O Red for the 5th time this season.
Dynamic midfielder Ryan Guy has enjoyed the break, and is looking forward to returning to action.
"The lads have come back now refreshed and ready to push on", stated Guy, "we know that however we do over the next series of matches will dictate what happens with next years’ Champions League or Europa League placings."
The sides’ previous encounters have provided 14 goals, with the Inchicore side winning three of the four matches. The most recent meeting however saw Rovers coming away with a comprehensive 4-1 victory at home in the League Cup, a result that St Pat’s will be eager to put behind them.
