SETANTA CUP Preview: Sligo Rovers -v- Dundalk

SLIGO ROVERS

This Saturday sees Sligo Rovers travel to Tallaght Stadium in search of the first piece of silverware of the year (kick-off is at 4.00pm).

And while the league action continues all around them, the Bit O' Red will be out to maintain their focus as they look to give themselves a night to remember.

The fact that they haven't so far managed to win any of their league fixtures against the teams above them would suggest that they don't have the required matchday mentality. Yet, they've often had the rub of the green in recent cup competitions. 

Speaking ahead of the cup final, manager Ian Baraclough discussed the credentials of both sides.

“It’s two sets of players that have a hunger and desire to win trophies and games of football. People can say we have experience which we have so hopefully in the build-up it will help. But I think when you get a Cup final, form goes out the window, although you actually have two in-form teams as such.” 

And while Sligo haven't had the same beginning to the season as last year, which saw them win their first ten competitive fixtures, they are a side with plenty of conviction and talent. In particular, Eric Odhiambo looks like a great potential.

And Baraclough has remained upbeat:  “We've built steadily. We've started to put that together and punish teams for not being able to cope with us and hopefully we can bring that game to Tallaght on Saturday.”

DUNDALK

Make no mistake, Dundalk are on a great run at the moment and are one of the most consistent performers across both divisions. 

Despite losing against Bray Wanderers towards the end of last month, the Lilywhites have been in an extraordinary vein of form. In truth, they looked quite off-kilter against the Seagulls but they have since showcased just how strong they are by overcoming the Wanderers 3-0 in the EA Sports Cup.

Clearly spurred on by just how close they came to some silverware last year, they have doubled their efforts early on and look determined more than ever to bulk out their list of club honours. 

Having never before won the tournament, it would be nice for them to tick it off their list having lost the 2011 final against Shamrock Rovers. 

Speaking ahead of the final showdown, manager Stephen Kenny had this to say: “We know we are playing a very good Sligo Rovers team. They are a side who play good football and are on a good run of form. We will have to go there and continue the form that we have been in recently. The match we played in the league will have no bearing on Saturday. It is a totally different game but we are confident going into it.”

He even addressed the gap between the two sides when it comes to the big occasions: “Sligo Rovers are a good side and are coming into some form now. They’ve got a lot of players who have vast experience in finals like this so they’re good players who know what to expect on the day. We’re here on merit though and we’re looking forward to taking them on.”

Referee: Arnold Hunter 

MATCH STATS

Saturday sees the Bit O' Red competing in their first-ever Setanta decider. Interestingly, this will be the first time these sides have encountered each other in the competition.

Sligo have scored an amazing 16 goals on their way to reach the final; their 5-1 win over St. Patrick's Athletic at Richmond Park a definite highlight.

Dundalk have won the last three league meetings between the sides and they kept clean sheets for them all. 

BETTING

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

PREDICTION

This should be a fascinating encounter, with plenty for both sides to prove. But Dundalk have looked tremendous this season, whereas Sligo have failed to really get going and that should prove to be a huge factor. 

A close match, but Kenny's charges should shade it. A final score of 2-1. 

Sligo Rovers

Injured: Raffaele Cretaro, Gavin Peers.
Doubtful: None
Suspensions: None

Dundalk

Injured: Stephen O'Donnell (knee).
Doubtful: None
Suspensions: None