League Preview: Sligo Rovers -v- Dundalk

SLIGO ROVERS

Dave Robertson’s Sligo Rovers will host champions Dundalk FC at the Showgrounds for the first time this season on Friday night looking to secure their first victory over the Lilywhites in eight attempts.

The Bit O’ Red have enjoyed quite a fruitful summer, rising the table inaudibly. Their upturn in form has been so dramatic that a place in next season’s Europa League qualifiers appears possible.

Much of Sligo’s recent good fortune has been down to their home form. The Westerners are aiming to go 13 games unbeaten at the Showgrounds. Their most recent home league defeat came on the opening day of the season when Shamrock Rovers overturned the Bit O’ Red, 2-0.

Their manager Dave Robertson was on the receiving end of a considerable amount of criticism in the aftermath of his appointment Results, performances and team selections were all scrutinised. Indeed, it appeared as if the former Peterborough United manager was never going to quell his doubters.

However, Robertson has seemingly inspired his side in recent months. Nobody more so than that of utility player, Raffaele Cretaro. The former league winner appears to be reinvigorated having fired nine league goals this term, while his understanding with the prolific Frenchman, Achille Campion has blossomed.

Sligo have won nine of their last 15 league assignments, losing only three in that same period. Their main issue all season has been conceding goals, however, they cover-up this deficiency with their fertile tendencies in the offensive half. The Bit O’ Red have scored 32 league goals, shared equally at home and on the road.

Like Derry City, the Sligo board have seemingly made the correct managerial appointment with crucial first-teamers like ‘skipper Craig Roddan, Michéal Schlingermann and Adebayo Tobi-Rowling all signing new longer-term deals with the club in recent weeks, illustrating their faith in Robertson.

The steeliness and attractiveness typically associated with the Bit O’ Red has also been re-implemented by the Englishmen and in turn, the crowds have begun to filter back to the Showgrounds.

Although, the future in the West appears bright, all of their resolve and progression will be tested to the full when Stephen Kenny’s table-toppers travel across the midlands on Tuesday afternoon.

Robertson though is relishing the chance to face the champions, having almost taken something away from Oriel Park earlier in the season. A Ronan Finn penalty was all that separated the sides on that occasion.

Robertson told sligorovers.com: “Playing a top team like Dundalk is a challenge myself and the players are looking forward to. They have a very strong squad and great depth.

“We don’t fear any team that comes to The Showgrounds. We will be looking to play on the front foot. We view this game as an opportunity to show everyone how far we have come.”

DUNDALK FC

Stephen Kenny’s high-flying Lilywhites will be keen on collecting three league points for the final time on Tuesday night before they begin their Europa League adventure in Alkmaar on Thursday week.

The border-side will visit UCD in the FAI Cup Quarter Final on Friday night, firstly however, Sligo Rovers will provide a stern test of their title credentials in tomorrow evening’s meeting at the Showgrounds.

The upcoming encounter will be a meeting of two of the Airtricity League’s most in-form sides. As alluded to above, Sligo have picked up 30 points from their last 45 available. However, that record looks fairly meagre when you compare it to Dundalk’s.

The Black and White army have amassed seventeen league victories this term, scoring 50 league goals, more than three times what ‘keeper Gary Rogers has let by him (15).

Backed by the impressive goal scoring exploits of David McMillan, Dundalk have thus far enjoyed an extraordinary campaign, coupling a unique European journey, while holding onto their hierarchical league positioning, and in the process, continuing their defence of the national cup.

Should the Lilywhites continue their machine-like trophy thirst into the closing months of the season, they could potentially achieve feats which even trump those of their mesmeric year in 2015.

The odds are stacked in favour of Dundalk ahead of their visit to the Showgrounds, a traditionally happy hunting ground for the County Louth side. Unbeaten on their travels to Sligo since September 2012, the Lilywhites have won eight of the last 12 games between the sides.

The Lilywhites appear to have their strongest possible line-up back and available for selection, following the return of Dane Massey and Daryl Horgan to complement Brian Gartland’s re-emergence from injury. The trio took their places in the starting XI in Dalymount Park last Friday night in Dundalk’s crucial 2-1 victory over Bohemians.

In what could be described as the most complete half of football in the Stephen Kenny era, Brian Gartland gave the Lilywhites’ a one-goal advantage at the break. Despite not reaching those levels in the second-half, John Mountney’s strike ensured that the Oriel Park inhabitants left Dublin 7 with the points.

Ahead of tomorrow night’s fixture, Dundalk manager Stephen Kenny spoke with dundalkfc.com.

Kenny said: “The league is an absolute priority for us. It’s a big challenge ahead for us. Sligo Rovers are in good form, we are in good form ourselves though and we are looking to win the game on Tuesday night.

Referee: Paul McLaughlin

MATCH STATS

This is Dundalk’s fifth straight league game away from home.

There hasn’t been a scoreless draw between the sides in the Premier Division since 1991.

This will be the 222^nd meeting of the teams, with Dundalk having 101 wins to Sligo’s 70.

PREDICTION

Sligo Rovers 0-2 Dundalk FC

BETTING

Sligo Rovers 4/1; Draw 11/6; Dundalk FC 4/6.

Sligo Rovers:

Injured: None

Doubtful: None

Suspended: None

Dundalk FC:

Injured: Ciaran Kilduff

Doubtful: Darren Meenan and Robbie Benson

Suspended: None