League Preview: Dundalk -v- Sligo Rovers

DUNDALK

Top of the table and looking for their fourth league win in a row, Dundalk welcome fifth-placed Sligo Rovers to Oriel Park this Friday (kick-off 7.45 pm).

Playing their second home game in three days, this could well turn into a hard slog for the Lilywhites and with Europa League commitments on the horizon in July, the fans will be glad their side have shot to the top of the table so early with a string of strong displays; not least their 7-0 annihilation of bitter rivals Drogheda United during the week. 

Because, when their schedule gets yet more hectic, they might just need the cushion of an extra few points. Although with Cork City and Shamrock Rovers the closest to them at present, it's likely they'll be pushing for breathing space throughout the summer at least. 

And among those out to ensure they don't relent in their efforts will be the influential David McMillan. He's shown good form of late, having tucked away four goals in all competitions so far this month. 

Normally used as an impact substitute, his contributions have made a huge difference, alongside the likes of Richie Towell and other more prominent figures. 

Speaking ahead of Friday's match, McMillan remained upbeat: “We have to refocus now on Sligo Rovers. They’re a good side who are on a good run at the moment but we are confident. We are playing well and top of the league, that’s where everyone wants to be.”

SLIGO ROVERS

Sligo are on an excellent run of form having won five of their last six league games and the Bit O’Red are unbeaten in eight.

Add to this the fact that Rovers' assistant manager Gary Stevens won the UEFA Cup with Tottenham Hotspur exactly 30 years to the day of Friday's match, and the omens are there that Ian Baraclough's men have the necessary know-how to produce an important win.

In fact, reflecting back on the previous two occasions the sides encountered each other reveals a win for each team. So, it's looking like yet another tightly contested affair between the pair. 

Dundalk won a league encounter in March on a score-line of 1-0, and more recently, Sligo repaid the favour, triumphing on the same score in the Setanta Cup Final. 

Playing their second consecutive away tie, it's vital they push through to keep the momentum going if they are to have any chance of getting back in contention at the summit. 

Speaking ahead of the clash, Baraclough addressed his side's heart and determination to put their season back on course: “It has been a great response to our poor start to the season. All credit goes to the players for the manner in which they done it. We needed to put together a strong run and we have done it in a strong fashion.”

He continued: “If we are to have any aspirations of challenging for the league title, we have to pick up points against the teams above us in the table. It's a really important game, but that goes for both sides I think.” 

Referee: Paul McLaughlin

MATCH STATS

Having played just 13 league matches to date, Dundalk are well on course to better the 55 goals they scored all last season. Already, the Lilywhites have netted 32 times and are the highest-scoring side in the Premier Division. 

Sligo have the best defence in the league at the moment. They've only conceded nine goals.

The Bit O' Red come in to the tie on the back of an eight-match unbeaten run, having conceded a paltry two goals in their last six matches.  

BETTING

Dundalk 11/8; Draw 11/5; Sligo 15/8.

PREDICTION

Stephen Kenny's men have the firepower, but Sligo have a mean defence. This one could well end in a draw, but it will be an enthralling watch for fans at Oriel Park. A share of the spoils at 1-1.

Dundalk

Injuries: Stephen O' Donnell (knee)
Doubtful: John Mountney (groin)
Suspensions: None

Sligo Rovers

Injuries: Alan Keane (thigh and knee), Joseph Ndo (calf), Gavin Peers (knee), Raffaele Cretaro (calf), Kieran Djilali (knee)
Doubtful: None
Suspensions: None