League Preview: Sligo Rovers - v - Derry City

SLIGO ROVERS

Sligo Rovers go into this North-West derby game with an impressive 2-0 win over the Candystripes already this season.

Dave Robertson’s men haven't been beat in all competitions at the Showgrounds since the start of March, but have only won one of their last five league games.

A second league win against Derry could see the Bit O'Red move up to fifth position as they continue their impressive rise up the table.

However, it won't be easy for Rovers to break down a Kenny Shiels side who have only lost one of their last ten games.

Sligo have also parted ways with Ross Taheny, who has joined Irish side Ballinamallard United. The young defender joined Sligo in 2013 and impressed at youth level before making several senior team appearances in 2014, 2015 and 2016.

DERRY CITY

Third placed Derry earned a valuable three points against Bohemians at Dalymount Park last Friday, winning 1-0.

Revenge will be on the minds of the Derry players after frustration got the better of them in April when visitors Sligo earned a 2-0 win.

Kenny Shiels still believes his team can improve substantially and wants a better performance than displayed in Dublin last week.

"I want us to perform better than we did against Bohemians in terms of improving our invention and creativity," said Shiels.

Dave Robertson was ecstatic with his team’s performance at the Brandywell earlier in the season, and he will be prepping his team for another dominant performance, something Shiels is wary about.

"This is a really tough game, but I want us to go to Sligo, put out their fire and make the game a bit more," he added.

A win at the Showgrounds would see Derry go level on points with Cork City, who currently sit second, but they have been representing the country in European competition and have games in hand as a result.

But the top two isn’t on Kenny Shiels’ mind at the moment and thinks such a target is unrealistic.

"I think the top two is out of our reach at the moment - Cork and Dundalk are representing us in Europe and doing fantastic.

"We are a long way off them at the minute."

Referee: Robert Rogers.

MATCH STATS

Sligo Rovers beat Derry at the Brandywell in April 2-0.

Derry City has lost one in their last 10 games.

Sligo hasn’t been beat at the Showgrounds since March.

BETTING

Sligo Rovers 7/5; Draw 23/10; Derry City 19/10.

PREDICTION

Sligo Rovers 1-1 Derry City.

Sligo Rovers:

Injured: Unknown.

Doubtful: Unknown.

Suspended: None.

Derry City:

Injured: Gareth McGlynn

Doubtful: Unknown.

Suspended: None.