League Preview: Sligo Rovers -v- Derry City

SLIGO ROVERS

Sligo Rovers will host their north-west rivals Derry City at the Showgrounds this Saturday night in the SSE Airtricity Premier Division (Kick off: 7:45pm). 

The hosts will be looking to record their first victory of the season so far. Last time out, Sligo were on the wrong side of a 3-2 scoreline surrendering the lead twice to a resilient Drogheda side. 

Speaking about the Drogheda game, Owen Heary had this to say: 

“The main disappointing stuff was the defending that night. We created plenty of chances and were happy with that. When you score two goals away from home you would expect to be able to see the game out so it’s more the defensive side we need to work on.

"We have looked back at the video from the game, analysed it and have been working on things. The players have seen what we want them to do and hopefully we will be able to rectify it tomorrow night.”

The man at the helm went on to discuss the importance of gaining the three points against Peter Hutton's side.

“Looking back at the two games so far against Cork we conceded in the 97th minute and we came away disappointed from that game but we would have taken a point. But against Drogheda we dominated the game and came away with nothing which was disappointing. One point from a possible six is not good enough so it will be important that we get the three points tomorrow to put that right.”

The Sligo boss continued with his thoughts on a packed schedule facing his side and the difficulties that may face the squad.

“It will be a test for our squad playing three games in a week. But we have to just concentrate on tomorrow’s game and then start to think about the other games after. The games come thick and fast at this stage of the season, I don’t really know why but we will be just looking to get our first win against Derry.

"It will be difficult for our squad to cope as we have already lost two players with injuries. But that is why we have young players in our squad and we will give them a go if we need to. I have no issues with giving some of the younger players chances.”

Heary finished off giving his take on their opponents this Saturday:

"They are a decent enough team. I know Peter Hutton well and he will have his team well drilled. They are a strong team who will do well from set-pieces. They have some very good young players like Patrick McEleney, Barry McNamee, Philip Lowry and some good experienced players as well. But the important thing will be that we concentrate on what we do tomorrow night.”

The side will be without the services of Jeff Henderson who picked up a foot injury in pre-season and Richard Brush who will be out for a further three weeks with a shoulder injury. 

DERRY CITY

Derry will make the short trip to the Showgrounds this Saturday with the aim of adding to the three points accumulated so far. Derry won their first game at Galway 2-1 but slumped to a 1-0 loss at home to the reigning champions, Dundalk last week.

Candystripes boss Peter Hutton expects an entertaining clash between two sides that like to get the ball down and play.

"This is a game that we always look forward to as both teams like to play attractive football which always leads to an entertaining game.

"We have no doubt that Sligo will come at us from the start which should allow us to play a little. I have watched them already this season and Owen Heary has put together a very good squad of players who can hurt you in different areas of the pitch.

"We expect them to be very dangerous from set pieces with the likes of Gavin Peers and Stephen Folan imposing themselves. So we will have to be very mindful and give them the respect they're due but having said that we must learn from the Dundalk game last week and not give them too much respect and take the game to them." 

Hutton finished with his assessment of the injuries affecting his side along with the players he has available this time around.

“We have a few injury doubts with Barry McNamee, Shaun Kelly and Gerard Doherty in particular, but it’s great to see the likes of Cillian Morrison, Nathan Boyle and possible Anthony Elding coming back into the squad.

“Seanan’s clearance is now finally sorted, so it’s great to have him and all the rest of the boys back in the squad, as we are coming into a fairly intense period having six games in 20 days.”

Peter Hutton will have be glad to have new signings Anthony Elding and Cillian Morrison back from injury along with Seanan Clucas who's internaional clearance came through. However, the Derry side could be without Barry McNamee who has a knock, Gerard Doherty who is still struggling with a hip injury and Shaun Kelly who still has a knee problem. 

Referee: David McKeon

MATCH STATS

Sligo have won seven out of their nine games this year so far with Derry having won seven out of eight of their games.

Derry came out the better in the three fixtures last season winning their two home games with the game at the Showgrounds ending in a draw. 

BETTING

Sligo Rovers 8/11; Draw 12/5 ; Derry City 4/1

PREDICTION

Sligo Rovers 1-1 Derry City

Sligo Rovers

Injured: Richard Brush (Shoulder), Jeff Henderson (Foot). 

Doubtful: None. 

Suspended: None. 

Derry City

Injured: Stephen Dooley (Back).

Doubtful: Gerard Doherty (Hip), Shaun Kelly (Knee), Barry McNamee.

Suspended: None.