League Preview: Sligo Rovers -v- St Patrick's Athletic

SLIGO ROVERS

Dave Robertson’s men have been shipping the goals in their opening two fixtures and currently find themselves propping up the table.

They could argue that facing an in form Limerick side and reigning champions Dundalk would be a tough task for any team but, the fact remains, Rovers are winless and with a goal difference of minus eight, they desperately need to put points on the board.

The Bit O’Red started the 2016 season in similar fashion, failing to win any of their opening eight games, before finishing in a highly commendable 5^th place. Rovers cannot afford to leave it so long this time around as with three teams being demoted from the Premier Division this year, a poor start could have them in a relegation battle at an early stage. 

Sligo will be paying homage to the league winning squad of ’77 on Friday night and fans will be hoping this can inspire them to kick start their season. 

The home side go into this game without the suspended Jonah Ayunga and are also sweating on the fitness of goalkeeper Michael Schlingermann. 

Speaking to sligorovers.com Robertson was in positive mood ahead of the tie.

"There is belief in this group of players. It's something I know we have and it's what makes unique I think. With Jonah missing we'll obviously have an opportunity for someone and that creates a chance for everyone to stake a claim and make a positive impression. We have trained well this week. We are well-prepared. St Pat's are a team we know well and they will be a big test for us.” 

"We are in the same place we were last year. We know what we have to do. We have to put results together like we did last season and stay true to ourselves. We have to play our brand of football and as long as we do and stay positive, then the results will come. We will take the game to St Pat's and look for a positive outcome."

ST PATRICK’S ATHLETIC 

How times have changed for Liam Buckley’s side. No longer the title challenging heavyweights of years gone by, the 2013 winners may find themselves in the unusual position of being dragged into a relegation dogfight if their early season form is anything to go by. 

Disappointing defeats to both Bray Wanderers and Drogheda United have left Pat’s without a victory as they face another daunting away trip this Friday.  

The Saint’s will be expecting star striker Christy Fagan and new signing Alex O’Hanlon to hit form and get them climbing the table. 

The away side remains without the suspended duo of Aidan Kenna and Darren Dennehy. 

Reflecting on last week’s defeat to Drogheda United, Buckley is hoping lessons can be learned as the Saints face a second consecutive game on the road.

“Last week was a tough game against Drogheda as the conditions didn’t lend themselves to a good game of football.  It was a game that could have gone either way and unfortunately Drogheda took two of their chances and punished us.  We know we need to bounce back as soon as possible so that starts with Sligo on Friday.”

“Sligo have had the same start as us and will be looking for their first positive result of the season too, so that’ll been that both sides will really go for it.  Both teams will look to get it down and play so it should make for a good game.  We’re going to go there with a positive frame of mind and if we can see that in our play as well, hopefully we can come away with the points.”

Referee: James McKell

MATCH STATS

The past three meetings have been tight affairs with two draws at Richmond Park and Sligo coming out on top at the Showgrounds by a single goal.

Overall St Pat’s have the better head to head record and last beat Rovers on the west coast in July 2015 with a comprehensive 3-0 victory.

BETTING

Sligo Rovers 13/8; Draw 9/4; St Patrick’s Athletic 17/10 .

PREDICTION

Sligo Rovers 1–2 St Patrick’s Athletic 

Sligo Rovers

Injured: None.

Doubtful: Michael Schlingermann 

Suspended: Jonah Ayunga

St Patrick’s Athletic

Injured: None

Doubtful: None

Suspended: Darren Dennehy, Aidan Keena