Sligo Rovers -v- UCD

SLIGO ROVERS

Sligo Rovers will be looking to end their current run of form ahead of the mid-season break when they entertain UCD at The Showgrounds on Saturday evening.

The Bit O'Red slipped to third place last week following a 0-0 draw with Bohemians while Derry City leapfrogged them into second place after beating Shelbourne 1-0. After Friday's results they now occupy 4th with a game in hand over Dundalk in 3rd.

The absentee list remains the same from last week as Raffaele Cretaro, Lee Lynch (hamstring), Danny Ventre (leg) and Evan McMillan (knee) all miss out through injury while Anthony Elding serves the second of his four match ban.

“Every game is a must-win as far as I’m concerned. You want to take three points from any game you play. It’s not going to be easy, but this is a home game for us and one we feel we can win if our performance is right. The group has been very bright this week and having looked back at the game against Bohemians again, I think we played well and the only thing lacking was the ball going in the net.

“It is unfortunate, but that is the way football goes. You have to take the chances that come your way. As a team we have been a superb attacking force for a long period of time. We have created attacking openings on a consistent basis and you just have to keep reinforcing that to the group. I know what capabilities we have in front of goal, I reminded the players of what they can do on Friday morning and it is just a matter of time before it comes. When it does, I think we’ll see goals flow.

”We started the season with 10 wins in-a-row, eight in the league and at that stage there was lots of people handing us trophies and medals and claiming the league was already finished. I don’t think it helps. If you mixed up our results over the course of the season so far, it would give a slightly different complexion. We are just three points behind our total at the same stage last season and our position is in the top three challenging at the head of the table. The league will not be won in the middle of the season and we feel our current standing is one to kick on from as the league goes on.

”UCD have a massive array of young talent and mixture of players available to them. I think Martin Russell does so well with the group he has and moulds them into a team filled with character. They come out and play football, they don’t get carried away but try to win games. It has shown in their results so far this season. It is why we have prepared for a big challenge on Saturday.”

UCD

UCD go into this game also looking to get their season back on track after losing their last four games in all competitions, conceding 14 goals in the process.

Their last game saw an improving Bray Wanderers side move above them into ninth-place following an enthralling 5-4 defeat at the Belfield Bowl.

Martin Russell must plan without three members of his squad as Mick Leahy, Tomas Boyle and Robbie Benson have all been ruled out through injury.

Russell is aware of the champions recent form, but insists his side will still have to be on top of their game defensively if they want to leave Sligo with any points.

"Sligo in recent games have not yielded the wins that their dominant play may have warranted. We are going to have to play well defensively and also carry a threat in an attacking sense with good use of the ball. The task is big, and as always we will look to take as many positives as well as some points from the match."

Referee: Padraigh Sutton.

MATCH FACTS

The Students last win at The Showgrounds came in August 2006, with Conor Sammon getting the only goal of the game.

Sligo Rovers have scored at least two goals in each of their last six home games against the Students.

UCD were the only team to beat Sligo Rovers in a game of consequence in the League last season when they recorded a 1-0 victory at the Belfield Bowl.

BETTING

Sligo Rovers 1/4; Draw 9/2; UCD 9/1.

PREDICTION

Sligo Rovers to get get back their season back on track on Saturday with a win. Sligo Rovers 2-0 UCD.

Sligo Rovers

Sligo Rovers Injury News: Raffaele Cretaro, Lee Lynch (hamstring), Danny Ventre (leg), Evan McMillan (knee).

Sligo Rovers Suspension News: Anthony Elding.

UCD

UCD Injury News: Mick Leahy, Tomas Boyle, Robbie Benson.

UCD Suspension News: None.