Sligo Rovers -v- Drogheda United

SLIGO ROVERS

Sligo Rovers host Drogheda United for the second time this week as they meet in the penultimate fixture of the first series of League games on Saturday night.

The Bit O'Red were victorious last time out as they recorded a 1-0 victory, however it was not enough to secure them a place in the Setanta Sports Cup Final as Drogs had won 2-0 in the first leg of the tie.

Danny North (knee), Seamus Conneely (knee), Rafael Cretaro (thigh) and Ciaran Kelly (sternum) are all out through injury while Iarfhlaith Davoren is suspended.

Speaking to sligorovers.com, Rovers boss Ian Baraclough believes his side's performance was the best he had seen from them in a number of weeks.

"It is the third meeting in a closely-fought series I believe. They are strong, fit, put us in dangerous areas and are a very organised team with some very good players. We took the game to Drogheda on Monday night and created chances. I thought we were worthy winners of the 90 minutes.

"We wanted to stop the two-game run and get a clean sheet as well. It wasn’t enough for a place in the final so it is back to the league now and a very important period.  During our run of wins, I wasn’t saying it for effect that we were not playing well and that there is more to come from the team. It took two defeats to take us out of our slumber up until Monday when our performance was the best we’ve produced in a number of weeks.

"At the league launch, I spoke about how seven or eight teams in this division can be considered challengers for the top positions in the country. My opinion has not changed and you have to be ready for each battle you face in the league and that will be the case on Saturday night."

DROGHEDA UNITED

Drogheda United will be looking to get back to winning ways as they face the League leaders once again this week.

The Louth side have enjoyed an impressive run of League results, winning eight of their first nine games, only losing on the first night of the season to St. Patrick's Athletic.

Mick Cooke has a full squad to choose from as Alan Byrne, Gary O'Neill and Brian Gannon all overcame doubts which had cast uncertainty over their involvement in Monday's Cup game.

Speaking ahead of the game, Assistant Manager Robbie Horgan expects a selection headache with a fully fit squad available tomorrow.

"I know we lost on Monday night, but in the context of the tie it was a victory for us. Sligo will have all week to dwell on that and we expect them to really put it up to us on Saturday. Obviously a league match will be different, we all knew it was technically only half-time on Tuesday, but we will go up there with every intention of taking three points. That's how we always play. 

Sligo are a good footballing side and it's hard to play against them when they play such open football. I think for the first time this season we trained last night with a full squad and it's going to be a bigger problem of who not to select, everyone wants to be involved and they are all pushing for a starting place."

Referee: Anthony Buttimer.

MATCH STATS

Sligo Rovers captain Danny Ventre made his 200th appearance for the club in Monday's victory over Drogheda United.

Drogheda are aiming for their first win at The Showgrounds since May 2007 when Brian Shelley and Shane Robinson scored the goals in a 2-0 win.

Drogheda have the joint best run of results so far this season. They and Derry City are currently on a run of eight unbeaten games after they suffered opening night defeats.

BETTING

Sligo Rovers 8/15; Draw 14/5; Drogheda United 5/1.

PREDICTION

Sligo Rovers 1-1 Drogheda United

Sligo Rovers

Injured: Danny North (knee), Seamus Conneely (knee), Ciaran Kelly (sternum), Rafael Cretaro (thigh).
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: Iarfhlaith Davoren.

Drogheda United

Injured: None.
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: None.