Setanta Cup Preview - Sligo Rovers v Crusaders

SLIGO ROVERS

With their league campaign off to a winning start after a 2-1 home victory over the newly promoted Athlone Town which saw them fight from behind to score a late winner, Rovers will now turn their attention to the Setanta Cup.

Having been forced to work for all three points against Mick Cooke's men, the Bit O' Red will be looking to learn as much as they can about themselves when they invite Crusaders to the Showgrounds.

Ian Baraclough's side come into Monday night's match holding a comfortable cushion; they won the reverse tie 4-1 at Seaview.

Speaking ahead of the game, manager Baraclough said: "We have given ourselves a fantastic opportunity to reach the next round. We took our chances well in Seaview and we need to finish the job on Monday.”

He added: “Crusaders will feel they have little to lose. They will do all they can turn it around and it's up to us to do what we need to go through"

With Monday's cup tie likely now merely a formality, Baraclough and his team have the opportunity to express themselves with as much freedom of expression as they can muster, but also don't expect them to expend too much energy on the occasion.

Of course, Sligo have yet to win the competition since it was first launched. And although the league will be their main priority, it would be feasible for them to string together a series of good results to take home some silverware before the season shifts into top gear.

CRUSADERS

No strangers to Setanta Cup victory, Crusaders won the tournament back in 2012.

Trailing the first leg, it's unlikely they'll be able to muster the steeliness to instigate an upset, particularly considering they're away from home.

But it would still be a good workout for Stephen Baxter's outfit to fight tooth and nail for the win if only to salvage some pride and restore some order.

With Europa League spots up for grabs in the Danske Bank Premiership and Crusaders currently sitting in fourth place, the Hatchetmen need to build some confidence heading in to the final few games of the season.

Their last 10 games have seen them pick up a mere six points out of a possible 30 and it's clear how much a quick turnaround in fortunes is needed – their most recent result was a 1-0 loss against ninth placed Coleraine.

Nonetheless, a win against Sligo under lights will be no easy feat, and it will require a lot of confidence.

However, it's hard to see Baxter's charges mustering too much for a fixture tht already seems beyond them before the second leg has even kicked off.

Referee: Arnold Hunter

MATCH STATS

In the first leg between the sides, Sligo new boy Eric Odhiambo became the first player in 17 years to score three goals on his debut.

Back in 2012, the sides met in the same competition with the Northern Ireland club emerging victorious on an aggregate scoreline of 3-2.

Crusaders are nearing the tail end of their domestic season, while Sligo have only just begun theirs following a busy pre-season.

BETTING

Sligo 1/5; Draw 5/1; Crusaders 11/1

PREDICTION

Sligo should have too much in their locker for an out-of-sorts Crusaders, particularly with the hosts currently in good form.

In essence, the 2012 League of Ireland champions should be too good to let slip a three goal lead.

And with the visitors in need of three goals to tip the tie back in their favour, it looks as though this is already a done deal.

Sligo Rovers injury news: Kieran Djilali (knee) and Gavin Peers (knee) are both missing for the tie, although Danny North is available for selection again after returning from suspension.

Crusaders injury news: Midfielder Matthew Snoddy (cruciate) is unlikely to feature after suffering injury in the 1-0 loss to Coleraine.