League Preview: Sligo Rovers -v- Drogheda United

Sligo Rovers welcome Drogheda United to The Showgrounds on Saturday night in the home sides’ first game since the departure of manager John Coleman. Kick-off in the Airtricity Premier Division game is 7.45pm.

SLIGO ROVERS

Following the departure of manager John Coleman this week Gavin Dykes is now in temporary charge of the team.
 

In injury news Gary Rogers trained this week following his ankle injury with no reaction and is expected to be fit to play. However John Russell is out of the game with a bruised bone on his foot.

There are doubts over Iarfhlaith Davoren who has a calf problem, Raf Cretaro who hurt his ankle in training this week and Regan Donelon who has the flu. All three will be assessed before the game but Gavin Dykes is hopeful they will be fit.

Alan Keane remains absent along with Jeff Henderson. Henderson had his boot removed this week and is beginning rehab.

On the John Russell injury Dykes said: “It’s a big blow to lose John as he has been a huge part of the squad for us this year and worked very hard.

Regarding taking charge of the team he said: “It’s a big honour. I was happy to answer the call and have no problem taking caretaker charge. I am happy to help the club in any way needed. Whatever job is to be done I will do the best I can.

“I won’t make any drastic changes to how the team will play. But Ciaran and I have our own ideas and philosophy on how we want to play from the under-19s. We will look to play out from the back, keep the ball on the deck, get it wide and score goals. Games dictate how you play but we will look to go out and entertain.”

Talking about Saturday’s opposition, Dykes is expecting a hard fought game against the Drogs.
 

“Drogheda will be a very tough game. They always make it difficult for us. They have a good set-up and are a very physical team. They lost during the week to Derry but they had a lot if suspensions for the game. Damien Richardson is a very experienced manager who has come in and done a great job. I also know Darius Keirans who is a very good coach.”

Dykes is hoping to see a good crowd for the game in the Showgrounds. “The strength of this club has always been its support. They have been with the club through the good and the bad times and I know because I have been there through a lot of them. The last five years have been great for the club and we need the people of Sligo to continue to come out and support. The players and myself really appreciate the support the fans have given us.”

DROGHEDA UNITED

Having a heavy defeat away to Derry City in the Cup, Drogheda United will be looking to get back to the form that seen manager Damien Richardson win the Extratime.ie Manager of the Month for August.

Drogheda United will be without three first team players for their trip to Sligo Rovers on Saturday. Gary O’Neill and Paul Crowley will be unavailable for the next fortnight with groin injuries while Cathal Brady also misses out due to a hamstring injury. 

Manager Richardson is looking for his side to bounce back immediately after the 5-0 cup defeat and praised the players’ determination and drive since he joined the club.

“The defeat to Derry was an expected occurrence given the number of suspensions and injuries that we had. To be fair to the players, they gave a complete and wholehearted effort and the two late goals gave an unfair gloss on the contest. This group has proven to me that they don’t give up no matter what and their improvement over the last few weeks has been extraordinary.

“There is an undercurrent feeling of determination about this squad so even though we are out of the Cup, I don’t foresee our performance levels dipping off between now and the end of the season. It is up to the squad to make sure that there is no anticlimax for the supporters. The fans that show up in the remaining games are the diehard supporters and we owe them to give every game our very best.

“It’s great to have a game so quickly after a tough defeat and the players are really chomping at the bit to get back playing. Sligo is a very attractive venue with a good team that perhaps will feel they should be higher in the league table. It will be a game in which we will hopefully get back to winning ways that will be the intention.”

MATCH STATS

Sligo Rovers and Drogheda United have met twice in the league so far this season. A 1-1 draw in the Showgrounds in April and a 2-1 win for the Bit O’Red in United Park in June.

Sligo Rovers have scored two more goals than Drogheda United in the league this season (36 versus 34) but whilst Sligo have only conceded 24 (third meanest defence in the league), the Drogs have leaked 54 (third worst defence in the league).

Drogheda United have conceded four or more goals on 10 occasions this season across all competitions. Their worst defeat coming in May against local rivals Dundalk (7-0). In contrast, Sligo have yet to concede 4 in a game. They have only conceded three against Rosenborg and twice to Dundalk.

BETTING

Sligo Rovers 4/7, Draw 11/4, Drogheda United 9/2

PREDICTION

Sligo Rovers 2 - 2 Drogheda United

Sligo Rovers

Injured: John Russell (bruised foot), Alan Keane, Jeff Henderson

Doubtful: Iarfhlaith Davoren (calf), Raf Cretaro (ankle), Regan Donelon (flu)

Suspended: None

Drogheda United

Injured: Gary O’Neill and Paul Crowley (groin), Cathal Brady (hamstring)

Doubtful: None

Suspended: None