Sligo Rovers -v- Dundalk

SLIGO ROVERS

League leaders Sligo Rovers welcome Stephen Kenny’s Dundalk to the Showgrounds on Saturday evening (kick-off 7.45pm).

The Bit o’Red come into this game on the back of a 0-0 draw with Bray Wanderers at the Carlisle Grounds last weekend. Ian Baraclough’s men have picked up one win in their last five games. That win was a 3-0 victory over Derry City in Sligo in their best performance of the season.

In their previous meeting this season, Rovers were victorious with a 3-1 win in Oriel Park.

The champions remain without the injured trio of Danny North, Seamus Conneely and Ciaran Kelly, but all three trained during the week and are close to returning.

Ian Baraclough must plan without the suspended Gavin Peers and David Cawley. It will be the first game David Cawley will miss since August.

Speaking about the game, Ian Baraclough acknowledged the threat that Dundalk pose: “You look at the calibre of the manager and the players and then it isn't a surprise to see how well they are doing. Stephen has put together a group of players that have something to prove.

“They will feel aggrieved at not getting enough game time at other clubs and feel hurt by not reaching standards they feel capable of. It can bring camaraderie to a squad and their results so far this season show how tough a game it will be for us.”

DUNDALK

Dundalk come into this game in fourth place in the table, just six points off league leaders Sligo Rovers. Stephen Kenny’s men have won four of their last five games, picking up their first away loss of the season against Shamrock Rovers nearly two weeks ago.

Stephen Kenny has no suspensions to deal with, but he must do without Chris Shields who continues to recover from a knee problem. Mark Rossiter is a doubt with a knee injury, but will be assessed before Saturday’s game. Tiarnan Mulvenna and former Sligo man Darren Meenan are both in line for starts.

Stephen Kenny is confident about facing the Bit o’Red: “Our players can take confidence from their recent form. We’re defending much better; we’re playing well and creating some chances. The players are in confident mood. We know going to Sligo is a formidable challenge. They haven’t lost a league game of any consequence in two years so it’s a daunting prospect but we know how good we are. We have to believe in ourselves and see how we go.”

Referee: Rob Rogers.

MATCH STATS

Sligo Rovers have won their last five games against Dundalk.

The Lilywhites haven’t won at The Showgrounds since August 2009.

Dundalk have the best away record in the league this year, along with St. Patrick’s Athletic. They’ve both won five, drawn none and lost one. Sligo, on the other hand, have the best home record in the league this year. They’ve won five at The Showgrounds, drawn one and lost none.

BETTING

Sligo Rovers 8/15, Draw 13/5, Dundalk 11/2.

PREDICTION

Sligo Rovers 2-1 Dundalk.

Sligo Rovers

Injured: Danny North, Seamus Conneely, Ciaran Kelly.

Doubtful: None.
Suspended: Gavin Peers, David Cawley.

Dundalk

Injured: Chris Shields.
Doubtful: Mark Rossiter.
Suspended: None.