League Preview: Dundalk -v- Sligo Rovers

DUNDALK

The Lilywhites will be looking to secure a third place finish in the Premier Division for 2020 when Sligo Rovers visit Oriel Park on Monday night (kick-off 7.30pm).

The Lilywhites arrive home once more to Oriel Park, not having played in their own venue since the 0-0 draw on the 16th of October against Bohemians.

Filippo Giovagnoli’s side have shown rather indifferent form recently and have failed to win since the 2-1 win away to Derry on the 19th of October.

The Louth side will be without several key players for Monday night’s fixture with Patrick McEleney, Daniel Kelly and Dane Massey all sidelined through injury.

Chris Shields is suspended for the game and Michael Duffy will be assessed prior to kick-off.

SLIGO ROVERS

Sligo are aiming for another three points in this fixture as they defeated Dundalk 3-1 in August earlier this year.

Liam Buckley knows that another three points here could secure a top four finish and if one of the top three goes on to win the FAI cup, they will be guaranteed European football next season.

The Bit O’Red have not played since the 24th of October and should be rejuvenated as result, compared to their opponents’ tough fixture list which includes Europa League games.

“We’re looking forward to the game certainly. When the season restarted, if you told us that we’d have the chance to finish fifth and possibly get fourth which could be Europe, and with an FAI Cup quarter-final to come, we would have taken it without doubt,” Buckley said, speaking to the club’s media team.

“It’s a good outcome to be in this position from where we were on 31 July. There is this opportunity for us and unquestionably there’s a huge amount on the line in this game.

“It’s a difficult one when you are facing Dundalk away from home, we know that. They are looking for a result as well to seal third place. But it’s a chance for us and we’re going there with that in mind.

“We had a very tight game in The Showgrounds where we produced a performance and scored goals. We managed to get the win that day.  We’re looking to try to do that again and see where that take us.

“There are a lot of permutations about what could happen, I’m sure there’ll be twists and turns over the evening. From our point of view we’re looking forward to the game and trying to get the result we want.”

Johnny Dunleavy (knee) and Ronan Murray (toe) are injured for Monday night’s game and will not feature, while Teemu Penninkangas and Mark Byrne are doubts after picking up knocks.

Referee: Derek Tomney

MATCH STATS

Sligo Rovers have not won a game in Oriel Park since 2016.

The Bit O’Red have failed to score in seven of their eight away games so far this season.

Sligo have not played for 16 days; the Lilywhites have played four times in the same period.

BETTING

Dundalk 1/2; Draw 10/3; Sligo Rovers  13/2.

PREDICTION

Dundalk 2–1 Sligo Rovers

Dundalk

Injured: Patrick McEleney, Daniel Kelly, Dane Massey.

Doubtful: Michael Duffy.

Suspended: Chris Shields.

Sligo Rovers

Injured: John Dunleavy, Ronan Murray.

Doubtful: Teemu Penninkangas, Mark Byrne.

Suspended: None.