League Preview: Shamrock Rovers -v- Sligo Rovers

SHAMROCK ROVERS

Shamrock Rovers will be aiming to put back-to-back home league victories together for the first time this season when they welcome Dave Robertson’s Sligo Rovers to Tallaght Stadium in Tuesday night’s SSE Airtricity League Round 12 encounter.

The Hoops been somewhat underwhelming this season, having lost four of their opening 11 league encounters. However a win at home to the Bit O’ Red could see them climb as high as second place as they aim to reel in Dundalk at the summit of the table.

Results have been quite mixed this season from Rovers. Having produced excellent performances against Tuesday night’s opponents and Bohemians, spirits were high in Tallaght. However, disappointing defeats to fellow title and European challengers Dundalk FC, St. Patrick’s Athletic, Derry City and Cork City has increased the pressure on Pat Fenlon significantly.

Indeed, last Saturday’s 2-0 victory in Longford was relatively uninspiring with Tony Cousins’ men giving as good as they got for long periods and it was only two freak goals that saw Rovers exit the midlands with the crucial three points.

The game in Tallaght match is the return fixture from the opening night of the season when Danny North and Brandon Miele ensured Pat Fenlon’s side escaped the Showgrounds with the three points.

For Tuesday’s encounter the Hoops will be without defenders Luke Byrne and David O’Connor, while Maxime Blanchard is rated as doubtful, meaning that it is likely that Gavin Brennan will continue to deputise at the back. Trevor Clarke is also unavailable due to him being on international duty with the Irish u18’s in Germany.

SLIGO ROVERS

“Have patience, all things are difficult before they become easy.” (Saadi)

A quote that seems to bare relevance to Sligo Rovers this season. Having failed to win any of their opening eight league matches, calls were heard for Dave Robertson to lose his job in some quarters.

However, the Bit O’ Red have experienced a dramatic upturn in fortunes recently and head to Tallaght Stadium tomorrow seeking a fourth straight league win while aiming to continue their run which is their best in two years.

Such form has seen Sligo exit the relegation places, and they now reside in seventh position seven points clear of the relegation play-off place and eight behind Shamrock Rovers.

On Saturday, Sligo demolished a ragged Wexford Youths side before a crowd of over 1,500 at the Showgrounds with Raffaele Cretaro opening his side’s account midway through the opening half.

Cretaro, who boasts over 400 appearances for the Bit O’Red, has been a revelation since Robertson decided to bring him into the team for their trip to St. Patrick’s Athletic four weeks ago. His willingness to run tirelessly for the team has reinvigorated the Sligo attack. They have scored nine goals in their last three games.

Speaking to www.sligorovers.com ahead of their visit to Tallaght, Sligo Rovers manager Dave Robertson was in a buoyant mood and he feels that the match will test his player’s newfound confidence and belief.

Robertson said: “Once we are in good form we want the games to continue coming. They are coming thick and fast and the moment and that’s a good thing for us, they can’t really come quick enough. The lads had a very good weekend and have done well in the recovery session and in training today.

“With the group we have got a really strong team spirit. That is something that we are enhancing and will look to continue to develop in time. We go onto the next game now and there is no better fixture than going to Tallaght to play Shamrock Rovers. We will be going to play there with plenty of confidence in the team.”

Referee: Graham Kelly.

MATCH FACTS

Sligo’s last visit to Tallaght Stadium came last June when a crushing 5-1 defeat saw Owen Heary lose his position as manager of the Bit O’ Red. Brandon Miele and Michael Drennan both bagged braces for Pat Fenlon’s side that day.

Sligo defender Tim Clancy is the only Sligo player who has plyed his trade with the Hoops in the past, while Danny North and Gary McCabe, now at Shamrock Rovers were successful with the Bit O’ Red before moving to Tallaght.

Sligo Rovers succeeded Shamrock Rovers as champions of Ireland in 2012, their first title since 1977.

MATCH BETTING

Shamrock Rovers evens; Draw 9/4; Sligo Rovers 14/5.

PREDICTION

Shamrock Rovers 2-1 Sligo Rovers

Shamrock Rovers

Injured: Luke Byrne, David O’Connor

Doubtful: Maxime Blanchard

Suspended: None

Sligo Rovers

Injured: None

Doubtful: Tim Clancy

Suspended: None