Sligo Rovers -v- Shamrock Rovers

SLIGO ROVERS

Sligo Rovers return League action tomorrow evening when they entertain Shamrock Rovers at The Showgrounds.

The Bit O’Red have not played an Airtricity League fixture since Sunday, July 13th due their European ties with Molde, which concluded on Tuesday following a 2-0 defeat in Norway, losing 3-0 on aggregate.

Aaron Greene (foot) and Danny Ventre (leg) remain sidelined while David Cawley is suspended. Pascal Millien has returned from International duty in the CONCACAF Gold Cup with Haiti, but will not feature tomorrow.

Ian Baraclough spoke to sligorovers.com about tomorrow’s game and his side’s Champions League outings.

“We enjoyed our European experience and were disappointed to exit the competition. But by no means do we go into this game with doom and gloom over us. We created chances, performed well and unfortunately we didn’t take the opportunities manufactured in the games.

“We take a lot from the two matches to bring into the rest of the season, we were beaten by a side that is a level above to what we face in the League of Ireland in my opinion and we gave a very good account of ourselves.

“People will call this game a six-pointer, like they will with all the meetings from here on in involving the top sides. We know that in all our home games, our primary goal is to win. We will be going all out to do so on Saturday night. Every game is so important from now until the end of the season.

“The side that copes with these games in the best fashion will come out on top and we’ll see how each team deals with the situation of being in the shake-up in the final stages."

SHAMROCK ROVERS

Shamrock Rovers travel to The Showgrounds tomorrow looking to narrow the gap between the sides to just a point.

The Hoops have enjoyed an impressive second series of games, but will be looking to immediately recover from a minor setback following last week’s frustrating 1-1 draw with UCD at home.

David Elebert (calf) is the only confirmed absentee through injury while Barry Murphy is doubtful despite returning to training this week. Captain Pat Sullivan misses out through suspension.

Speaking to shamrockrovers.ie ahead of the game, Trevor Croly said:

“It’s a big game for all involved. We know that if we get the win, we’re right on their coat-tails, so that is definitely our aim going there. It’ll be a big occasion; I’m sure there will be a big crowd - there usually is when Rovers play in Sligo. But we’ll be very focussed on putting in a good performance and getting the three points.”

Referee: Neil Doyle.

MATCH FACTS

Sligo Rovers have lost just once in their last six ties with Shamrock Rovers.

The Hoops have struggled to pick up three points on the road this season, winning just two of their ten fixtures away from home in the League.

Sligo Rovers and Shamrock Rovers both feature players that have a played for both sides during their careers. Mark Quigley, Jason McGuinness, Richard Brush, Derek Foran, Conor Powell and Gary McCabe all currently play for the Hoops while Sligo have Aaron Greene and Joseph Ndo.

BETTING

Sligo Rovers 11/8; Draw 21/10; Shamrock Rovers 2/1.

PREDICTION

Sligo Rovers 1-0 Shamrock Rovers.

Sligo Rovers

Injured: Aaron Greene (foot), Danny Ventre (leg).
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: David Cawley.

Shamrock Rovers

Injured: David Elebert (calf).
Doubtful: Barry Murphy.
Suspended: Pat Sullivan.