Sligo Rovers -v- Shelbourne

SLIGO ROVERS

Sligo Rovers can move up to second place on goal difference depending on results elsewhere if they record a victory over Shelbourne at The Showgrounds on Friday evening.

The Bit O’ Red have been in a rich vein of form in recent weeks, winning five of their last six games in all competitions and will go 500 minutes without conceding a home goal provided the visitors do not score within the opening two minutes of the game.

The champions are at near full strength for this game as Evan McMillan and Raffaele Cretaro and Evan McMillan return from suspension and injury respectively. Ross Gaynor (knee) remains the only absentee for the home side.

Talking to sligorovers.com ahead of the match, Ian Baraclough revealed that McMillan has been training all week and there is competition for places all over the pitch with a number of recent absentees back in contention.

“Evan has trained all week and the players are collectively and individually pushing each other. They are champing at the bit and it is a good dilemma to have. Training is so, so bright and they are just counting down to each game so to have two matches over the weekend is not a negative for us.

“The expectation is that we will win this game but we know how much work will be needed to ensure we do it. Shelbourne’s players are scrapping for their Premier Division lives and many are looking for contracts for next season. Johnny McDonnell has been critical of his players after the two big defeats and he will be looking for a reaction. We have to be on our guard and not show an inch of complacency because I know Shelbourne would punish it. Apart from those two bad results, they have a been a tough opposition for every team they've faced and that is what I'm expecting on Friday. 

“We have a strong group of players. They have the character and desire to bring a second league title to this club. There is everything to play for in the league and places are up for grab for Cup semi-finals and the deciding matches in the campaign.

SHELBOURNE

Following Bray Wanderers defeat to St. Patricks on Thursday night, Shelbourne visit The Showgrounds in search of at least a draw that will lift them off the bottom of the table while still having another game in hand.

Shels were on the receiving end of a 3-0 scoreline last week as Bohemians came out on the top in the relegation six pointers to open a six point gap between the two clubs.

If the result was not bad enough, they also finished the night with another player being added to the long-term injury list in Glenn Cronin, joining Paul Crowley, Brian Shortall, Mark Leech and Jack Memery. 

Adam Hanlon is rated as doubtful and Robert Bayly is suspended while Robert Cornwall returns from a recent ban.

Referee: Anthony Buttimer.

MATCH STATS

Raffaele Cretaro will become the second highest appearance maker for Sligo Rovers if he features against Shelbourne. A 388^th appearance would see him move above Tony Stenson, meaning Tony Fagan (590) will be the only player to have played more games for the club than Cretaro.

The home side have been very solid at the back in recent weeks, conceding just one goal in their last six games in all competitions.

While Shelbourne have not beaten Sligo in their last seven games, but have won 52 of the 117 meetings between the sides. 

BETTING

Sligo Rovers 1/5; Draw 5/1; Shelbourne 12/1.

PREDICTION

Sligo Rovers 3-0 Shelbourne.

Sligo Rovers

Injured: Ross Gaynor.
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: None.

Shelbourne

Injured: Glenn Cronin, Paul Crowley, Brian Shortall, Mark Leech, Jack Memery.
Doubtful: Adam Hanlon.
Suspended: Robert Bayly.