League Preview: Sligo Rovers -v- Finn Harps

Sligo Rovers welcome North West neighbours Finn Harps to the Showgrounds this Saturday night. Rovers beat fellow Connacht team Galway United 2-1 last Saturday night thanks to goals from Rafaele Cretaro and Achile Campion. 

SLIGO ROVERS

Rovers welcome back Gavin Peers to the team after he was ruled out of last week’s game through suspension. Speaking ahead of the game Rovers manager Dave Robertson told the clubs official website; "We will have Gavin Peers back which is a boost. He has got excellent leadership qualities and fantastic experience. But I think we also have other leaders in the group and this gives them an opportunity to show that. We will need it as we are in for a tough, physical game tomorrow.
 

“One key thing with the squad that we have is there is a lot of versatility. We have two starters out tomorrow but there is proven versatility on the group. The impact of someone like Kieran Sadlier off the bench against Galway gives me a selection headache and one that is really positive to have.

“I like how our form has been – we have taken 15 points out of a possible 18 to play for. We are very keen to keep that good run going. We have a lot to play for during the rest of the year

"I have definitely enjoyed the atmosphere at the last two games and would love to see that again tomorrow. In our last two games against Shamrock Rovers and Galway United our supporters saw how much it meant to us in two massive games for the club. I hope the fans turn out again tomorrow as you can see how much it means to the players.

“There will definitely be lessons we learned in that game which will help us do better tomorrow. We haven‘t forgot that game and we feel we owe them one. We will be looking to be on the front foot and play in the right way. We will be focusing on ourselves and the things we need to do right. There have definitely been lessons learned n that defeat, it was a tough loss to take and we will try to put that right this time.”

FINN HARPS

Harps boss Ollie Horgan will be hoping his side can put a run of 5 defeats in a row behind them and best Sligo Rovers for the third time this season. Harps have shipped 7 goals in their last two outings against Derry City and Shamrock Rovers. Horgan will be without Damien Mc Nulty for the trip to the Showgrounds.

Dave Scully and Barry Molloy are also doubts for the meeting of the North West rivals. Speaking ahead of the game Horgan spoke to the Finn Harps official website; "Sligo have improved as the season progressed and are one of the form teams in the league at the moment. They had an away win in Cork which is very rare. They have great movement and play attractive football with some very talented and quick players. It’s going to be another difficult game away for us.” 
 

Referee: Sean Grant

MATCH STATS

Sligo Rovers are yet to beat their North West rivals this season, losing 3-0 away and drawing 1-1 at the Showgrounds so far this season 

Finn Harps are on a 5 match losing streak at the minute, they're worst run this season
 

This is the 114th meeting of both clubs. Finn Harps have won 46 of those meetings with Sligo Rovers winning 38 of the games and there has been draws in 29 of the games

BETTING

Sligo Rovers 8/15; Draw 13/5; Finn Harps 15/2.

PREDICTION

Sligo Rovers 2-1 Finn Harps

Sligo Rovers:

Injured: None.

Doubtful: John Russell

Suspended: Raffaele Cretaro, Craig Rodden

Finn Harps

Injured: Damien Mc Nulty

Doubtful: Dave Scully, Barry Molloy

Suspended: None