League Preview: Sligo Rovers -v- Dundalk

Two teams are hoping to bounce back from poor defeats this Friday, as Sligo Rovers welcome league leaders Dundalk to the Showgrounds. Kick-off is 7.45pm.

SLIGO ROVERS

There’s a cloud of uncertainty currently hovering over the Showgrounds as Sligo are yet to clarify whether Owen Heary is still in charge at the club. The Dundalk game could be his last chance at attempting to turn around the fortunes of a club that lie tenth in the table with twelve points. However, the game against Shamrock Rovers on Monday showed improvement is needed.

Sligo were put to the sword by their Shamrock cousins, with Michael Drennan and Brandon Miele both getting doubles while Kieran ‘Marty Waters scored the other in the 5-1 defeat of the Bit O’Red. Dinny Corcoran scored his sixth goal of the season in reply and the boss and the fans will hope that the former Bohs striker can continue his run of form, having scored four in his last five games.

Sligo’s main problem this season has been their inability to convert draws into wins. They have the second fewest wins in the Premier Division with two, although basement side Limerick would bite your hand off for that. They then have the second highest amount of draws, with six tied games, with both Limerick and Cork City equalizing in added time at the end of the game.

Sligo will be missing central defender Jeff Henderson due to a foot injury, while John Russell misses out because of a hip problem. Steven Beattie is a slight doubt for the match but should be fit to play.

DUNDALK

Dundalk are still sitting well on top of the league but the gap is now three points back to second place Cork City, although Dundalk have a game in hand on their rivals. The Louth side had only dropped points twice during the season prior to last Friday’s loss to surprise package Bohemians.

An unlucky Gary Rodgers own goal and a Dave Mulcahy header were enough for Bohs to see off the Lilywhites, despite Dane Massey’s header equalizing early on. It’s the first time that Dundalk have lost in the league since last September, in a 1-0 loss to St Pats. But despite the setback, manager Stephen Kenny told dundalkfc.com that, “the players will respond in the right manner.”

The Dundalk manager was in praise of his players saying, “Overall, the players have been exceptional this season. Every week they have been brilliant and given everything of themselves.” He also said that he felt that “Sligo will definitely fancy their chances to take something from us” but he then added, “We have to be fully prepared for it.”

There are no major injury concerns for Dundalk, with Brian Gartland, Stephen O’Donnell and Darren Meenan all returning from injury. Dane Massey will also be fit for the Sligo match. Paddy Barrett is suspended after his red card in the defeat against Bohemians.

Referee: Paul McLaughlin.

MATCH STATS

Dundalk were the victors in the reverse fixture earlier this season, with David McMillan and Richie Towell, who scored two, securing a 3-0 win for the Lilywhites over Sligo.

Towell is currently the joint top goalscorer in the Premier Division, with ten goals so far. McMillan is the third highest scorer at Dundalk with five goals. Sligo have scored fifteen goals in total during the course of this season.

Sligo have conceded twenty-seven goals this campaign, although only eight at home. Dundalk have only conceded eight in total.

BETTING

Sligo Rovers 9/2; Draw 27/10; Dundalk 8/13.

PREDICTION

Sligo Rovers 0-3 Dundalk.

Sligo Rovers

Injured: Jeff Henderson, John Russell.

Doubtful: Steven Beattie.

Suspended: None.

Dundalk

Injured: None.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: Paddy Barrett.