League Preview: Dundalk -v- Sligo Rovers

Sligo Rovers travel to Oriel Park this Saturday with both teams hoping a win will move them one step closer to their desired goals. The match, which will be screened on Setanta Sports, kicks off at 7pm.

DUNDALK

Dundalk have a lead of eight points over Cork City, their nearest rivals in the league table, and will hope to not only keep that lead at least but also add a few extra goals to their goal difference against a resurgent Sligo. They will hope to keep up the momentum that saw Shamrock Rovers dispatched by two goals to nil.

Speaking to dundalkfc.com, manager Stephen Kenny felt that Shamrock Rovers pushed his side hard in the match but was happy to come away with the victory.

“They were one of the better teams we have played this year with the way that they pinned us back but we dealt with that well, got the second goal in the second half and that really set us up. We showed that we can dig in and get a result but it was a great win for us and we’re pleased with the three points.”

On Sligo Rovers, the Dundalk manager acknowledged that the Connacht side “turned a corner the past few weeks since the new manager has come in” but he still was optimistic in another three points as he finished saying, “we’re in good form, we’re confident and hopefully we can get the victory.”

Dundalk have nearly a full squad to choose from for the home match with only Sean Maguire missing as he is away on international duty with the Republic of Ireland u21 squad.

SLIGO ROVERS

Sligo are eighth in the table at the moment although they are level on points with the two sides, the two United clubs Galway and Drogheda, below them. The tight nature of the lower half is also shown with bottom club Limerick only four points away from the Bit O’Red too. They too faced Shamrock Rovers in their last game and gained a credible result.

A Sander Puri goal got Sligo off to a great start in the battle of the Rovers, before former player Gary McCabe equalized for the Tallaght side in the second half. The point means that Micky Adams has seen his side pick up seven points in his first four games in charge, having already beaten Derry City and Drogheda United after a debut defeat to Cork.

Assistant manager Alan Rogers spoke to sliogrovers.com about Dundalk and he said, “They’re a good team and have a strong and physical side. They’re top of the league and champions elect for good reason.” However, he was quick to say that Rovers would give their all as he said, “But we will still go up there and not be daunted by it.”

Sligo will have two of their more influential players missing for them this Saturday. Midfielder John Russell will sit out the game through suspension while wide player Sander Puri is away on international duty with Estonia. Jeff Henderson and Kevin Devaney are also still missing out through injury. In good news for Sligo, new signing Jennsion Myrie-William is available to make his debut.

Referee: Paul Tuite

MATCH STATS

Dundalk have won both the encounters between the sides this year. They won 3-0 back in March thanks to a Richie Towell double and Dave McMillan strike, before Richie Towell once more scored to beat Sligo by two goals to one in June, after a Daniel Ledwith own goal cancelled out Morten Nielsen’s opener.

When John Russell has been in the Sligo team this season, they have picked up seventeen points from a possible thirty-six and have a win percentage of approx. 30%. In the other thirteen games they’ve played without Russell, Sligo have picked up six points and have a win percentage of approx. 8%.

Sligo Rovers have only picked up two wins and two draws out of twelve games on the road this year.

BETTING

Dundalk 4/11; Draw 7/2; Sligo Rovers 8/1.

PREDICTION

Dundalk 4-0 Sligo Rovers

Dundalk

Injured: None

Doubtful: None

Suspended: None

International Duty: Sean Maguire (Rep. of Ireland u21’s)

Sligo Rovers

Injured: Jeff Henderson, Kevin Devaney

Doubtful: None

Suspended: John Russell

International Duty: Sander Puri (Estonia)