Shamrock Rovers -v- Sligo Rovers

SHAMROCK ROVERS

Shamrock Rovers face Sligo Rovers for the second time in just over two weeks as they entertain The Bit O’Red in the EA Sports Cup Semi-Final at Tallaght Stadium.

The Hoops have enjoyed an excellent record in cup competitions this season and will be looking to get themselves out of a recent poor run of form with their most recent game ending in a 4-0 defeat at home to St. Patrick’s Athletic.


Richard Brush (shoulder) and Ken Oman (foot) are both ruled out through injury while Jason McGuinness and Stephen Rice are suspended. Thomas Stewart and Mark Quigley are rated as doubtful. Eamon Zayed is unavailable as he is on International duty. 


Speaking to shamrockrovers.ie, Shamrock Rovers boss Trevor Croly said:


“It’s a semi-final of one of the major trophies, so we’ll be going out there wanting to win and secure a place in the final. But I’m sure Sligo will be of the same mindset, so it should be a tough, tightly contested game.”


SLIGO ROVERS

Sligo Rovers travel to Tallaght Stadium with momentum very much in their favour following recent League victories over Derry City and Bray Wanderers.


The visitors will be without the injured quartet of Iarfhlaith Davoren (knee), Ross Gaynor (knee), Danny North (hamstring) and David McMillan (hamstring). Gavin Peers is available following suspension while Aaron Greene and Danny Ventre returned to the squad against Bray Wanderers following long-term injuries.


Speaking to sligorovers.com, Ian Baraclough is revealed he and his his players share the same desire to win this trophy and is confident of moving one step closer to winning his first Cup with the club.


"It is a big week for the club. There are two games coming up that could really shape our season. A cup semi-final in Tallaght Stadium is as hard as they come.


"We are aiming perform to a level like we have done against the top teams this season. Hopefully we can get to the final because it would be a fantastic for the club and my first since coming here.


"The win on Saturday against Bray was another important step in this finish to the year. We are in the hunt for three trophies, on Tuesday night we are excited to be part of a semi-final of a competition that we really want to win."


Referee: Paul McLaughlin.

MATCH FACTS
Sligo Rovers are making their fifth consecutive Semi-Final appearance in the EA Sports Cup this season.


The last EA Sports Cup meetings between these sides also came at the Semi-Final stage in 2010, with The Bit O’Red winning 2-1 in The Showgrounds, later going on to win the tournament against Monaghan United.


If Shamrock Rovers win tomorrow night, it will set them up for their third Cup Final fixture with Drogheda United in two seasons following last season’s 3-1 defeat in EA Sports Cup Final and this year’s 7-1 thrashing of the Louth side in the Setanta Sports Cup Final.

BETTING

Shamrock Rovers 6/4; Draw 11/5; Sligo Rovers 7/4.


PREDICTION

Shamrock Rovers 0-1 Sligo Rovers.

Shamrock Rovers
Injured: Richard Brush (shoulder), Ken Oman (foot).
Doubtful: Mark Quigley, Thomas Stewart.
Suspended: Jason McGuinness, Stephen Rice.
Unavailable: Eamon Zayed


Sligo Rovers
Injured: Iarhlaith Davoren, Ross Gaynor (both knee), Danny North (hamstring), David McMillan (infection).
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: None.