Dundalk -v- Sligo Rovers
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DUNDALK
Sligo Rovers travel eastwards on Friday night in one of the biggest games of the third series of Premier Division fixtures when they meet fellow title chasers Dundalk.
The Lilywhites are just a point behind leaders St Pat’s following their well-earned 2-1 victory away to Shelbourne last week and will be confident of emerging victorious from this one too.
They have transferred their sensational away form to Oriel Park of late and the Carrick Road stadium has now become something of a fortress for them of late having won their last five straight in all competitions on home turf.
However, earlier in the campaign they went down at home to a strong Sligo side who left with a 3-1 win although they did avenge that defeat courtesy of a Dane Massey wonder goal at the Showgrounds at the end of May.
Stephen Kenny has a strong selection of players to choose from and although Keith Ward continues his rehabilitation from cruciate ligament surgery while Tiarnan Mulvenna misses out through suspension.
Midfielder John Mountney faces a late fitness test on an ankle injury but that is the only worry for Kenny after Massey made his return at Tolka Park last week.
The manager is also looking at this clash as an ideal opportunity for his side to keep the feeling of euphoria reverberating around the Louth town with another three points at home.
“It is a great place to be around at the moment and we are all enjoying the feeling because of the momentum we have due to our great run of form,” he said. “Our home form has been excellent lately and overall we have been terrific but we know Sligo Rovers are a good team and obviously are reigning champions and playing well so we are looking forward to the game and hopefully we can keep our good form going.”
SLIGO ROVERS
Aiming to channel their disappointment at failing to make the EA Sports Cup final following defeat to Shamrock Rovers on Tuesday night will be Sligo when they meet Dundalk on Friday night.
Despite that loss, they are still in a healthy league position following their 2-0 win at home against Bray Wanderers last weekend.
The reigning champions are currently three points behind Dundalk in the league in their bid to retain their crown and they could move level with them in second with a win.
Former Lilywhite Ross Gaynor is sidelined through injury and joining him in the stands suffering from knocks will be defender Iarfhlaith Davoren and summer signing David McMillan.
A quartet of key players all face late fitness tests to appear as they nurse small injuries picked up over the past week and those are Raffaele Cretaro, Evan McMillan, Danny North and Gavin Peers.
Title-winning boss Ian Baraclough is under absolutely no illusions about the importance of this game and is talking it up as such: “There is no getting away from the magnitude of this game as it is second against third and a massive game at this stage of the season.
“Both teams will look at it as one they can win and it could be a major lift for the run in and St Pat’s and other teams in the mix will be rubbing their hands no matter what the result is but we were 3-1 winners there earlier in the season in a game we probably didn’t get the credit we deserve from as it was quite a comfortable success but they turned it around at the Showgrounds and deservedly came away with the points and is another carrot for us to get the win on Friday.”
Referee: Neil Doyle
MATCH FACTS
Sligo have scored more than once in games on 13 occasions this season, bettered only by Dundalk in 14 games.
Dundalk are winless in their last five at home against the Bit o’ Red having lost twice and drawn three.
Sligo have lost just once in their last 10 against Dundalk, winning eight and drawing two as well as managing 24 goals during those clashes.
BETTING
Dundalk 11/5; Draw 11/5; Sligo Rovers 6/5
Dundalk
Injured: Keith Ward (cruciate)
Doubtful: John Moutney (ankle)
Suspended: Tiarnan Mulvenna
Sligo Rovers
Injured: Ross Gaynor, Pascal Millien, David McMillan
Doubtful: Evan McMillan, Gavin Peers, Danny North, Raffaele Cretaro
Suspended: None
