League Preview: Shamrock Rovers -v- Sligo Rovers

SHAMROCK ROVERS

There was huge dissappointment for the Hoops on Tuesday night when they lost to Dundalk in extratime in the FAI Cup semi-final. The clock will now move on next season to 31 years since 24-times cup winners Shamrock Rovers last won the FAI Cup.

There will be some comfort for Stephen Bradley’s men if they beat Sligo Rovers on Friday night in Tallaght Stadium (kick off 8pm). The three points would secure European football for the Hoops as they then couldn’t finish lower than fourth in the league. With Cork City and Dundalk contesting the cup final and both above Shamrock Rovers in the table – fourth place will be enough for Europe.

It would mean the fourth season in a row that the Hoops have secured European football – the first time they have done that since the four-in-a-row era of the 1980s.

The home side will be looking to finish third in the table and will do so should they win their final three games of the season, starting with the visit of the Bit O’Red to Tallaght. Since they last lifted the league trophy in 2011, Shamrock Rovers’ highest position in the table was the third place position in 2015.

Qualifying for Europe is in reality the minimum benchmark for Shamrock Rovers. However, the club has certainly seen signs of progression under Stephen Bradley this season. The Hoops Head Coach virtually tore up the squad list from last season and brought 12 new players into the club this year.

While they have been off the pace at the top of the table, they have certainly put it up to the ‘big two’ of Cork City and Dundalk when they have faced off against those teams this campaign. They have beaten both sides twice this year and will hope to build on those results next season.

"Sometimes that's how semi-finals go, you don't always get what you deserve," said Stephen Bradley when speaking at the pre-match press conference.

"I know the characters and the personalities we have, I know they'll come back stronger next season. But we need to learn our lessons because we're going to be involved in a lot of big games over the coming years and we need to learn how to manage them better."

Bradley will have to do without Paul Corry in 2018 as the midfielder announced his retirement this week. Corry confirmed on twitter that due to a serious issues with his knee he is retiring. Corry said that “it is a bitter pill to swallow and difficult to come to terms with this decision at the age of 26 but I now need to look to the future in a positive mind-frame.”

There was better news for Rovers with Brandon Miele picking up the September SSE Airtricity/SWAI Player of the Month award. The midfielder scored five goals in the month.

“It's nice to be recognised and I was up against some top players so I'm really happy to win it,” said Miele. “It was a good month.

"It was horrible for us on Tuesday,” said Miele reflecting on their semi-final cup exit. “It was a tight, good game but it was a bad way for us to go out of the Cup.

"For us now it's just about finishing strong and seeing where that takes us. We want to see how many points we can get and finish on a high.

David Webster broke his foot in the game against Dundalk and won't play again this season. Roberto Lopes broke his nose but he should be available for the Hoops.

SLIGO ROVERS

The Bit O’Red come to Tallaght Stadium on Friday desperate for points in their battle to avoid relegation. They made big strides in that aim last week with a 1-0 home win over Bohemians.

It means that they are one point clear of the drop zone going into the final three games of the season.

"We were obviously solid,” said manager Gerard Lyttle about the win over the Gypsies. You run the risk of conceding at 1-0 and not winning the games. But I felt we were always in control.

“It was obviously disappointing not to score more goals but we created several chances and that's important. Goals will come with the players we have and their goalkeeper had a good game on the night. We kept our concentration and that's vital in the situation we are in."

Vinny Faherty was the match winner against Bohs, getting the goal off a set piece – something his side has been working hard on. "I stated when I came in that it was something we had to improve on,” said Lyttle.

“At the time it was due to a lack of attacking options but now we've also players that are dangerous in the area and our set piece delivery has improved as well. It's something to take pride in and we need to keep that going."

Lyttle watched Shamrock Rovers exit the FAI Cup on Tuesday when they lost their semi-final replay to Dunalk. "They're a good team. They are third in the league for a reason and merit the position.

“It took Dundalk two games and extra-time to just get by them so I think it shows their progression. The games between the teams have been tight this year."

While Michael Schlingermann will miss out due to a neck injury, Gary Boylan has overcome a foot problem and Jamie McDonagh makes his returns from international duty.

Referee: Jim McKell

MATCH STATS

In the league matches to date between both Rovers teams, each side has a 1-0 win. Brandon Miele got the winner for the Hoops in April when the sides last played in Tallaght. Their most recent game was won by Sligo Rovers with John Russell scoring early in the game before being sent off in the second half.

The Hoops have won five of their last six league games.

Sligo Rovers have just two away wins in the league this season but both have come in their last three away fixtures with a win in Cork and in Finn Park.

BETTING

Shamrock Rovers 8/11; Draw 14/5; Sligo Rovers  7/2

PREDICTION

2-0 home win

Shamrock Rovers

Injured: Graham Burke, David Webster

Doubtful: None

Suspended: None

Sligo Rovers

Injured: Michael Schlingermann

Doubtful: None

Suspended: None