League Preview: Shamrock Rovers -v- Sligo Rovers

SHAMROCK ROVERS

These two teams played a month ago when the Hoops come out on top with a 1-0 win at the Showgrounds. If Stephen Bradley’s men win on Friday, it will leave them needing just ten points from their remaining six games to retain their title – with Bohemians set to visit Tallaght Stadium on Monday.

The home side come into Friday’s  game (kick off 8pm) on the back of a 1-0 defeat in Dundalk last week having won their previous four games in a row.

“We're obviously very disappointed,” said Stephen Bradley about the loss in Oriel Park.  “They got the first goal and they held on, to be fair, but we had enough chances to go in at half-time up a couple of goals.”

“In the second half it's difficult because they drop right to the edge of their 18-yard box and the spaces that we were exploiting in the first half obviously weren't there. So, it becomes a different game. it's difficult when they defend so deep in the second half.”

This year these two teams drew 1-1 in their first game in Sligo before Liam Buckley’s boys beat the Hoops 1-0 in Dublin 24 the last time they faced each other in Tallaght.

The capacity on Friday is fixed for a COVID-19 restricted 4,000 with Sligo receiving a small away ticket allocation.

“We're expecting a tough game, we've had tough games all year against Sligo. I don't expect Friday night to be any different. They'll come to Tallaght to take three points. They're a good side and a dangerous team. We'll look to impose ourselves on the game as quickly as possible and try and get three points.”

“The crowds have been brilliant, but I think between now and the end of the season we really need them, to drive this home and pick up as many points as possible towards our target of winning the league.

“The crowd is going to be really important in that for us. We need them to come out in their numbers, be loud and create a good atmosphere, which they always do. It's going to be vital between now and the end of the season.”

SLIGO ROVERS

Last time Liam Buckley’s men travelled away to play the Hoops they won 1-0 – their first win  in Tallaght  since 2013 – and it sent the Bit O’ Red top of the table but they weren’t able to hold that momentum. They currently sit in third place 16 points behind Shamrock Rovers having earned just one point from their last three matches. 

“We put in a decent performance last time in Tallaght and the game in Sligo a few weeks ago was very close which Shamrock Rovers edged (1-0).

“They’re a top quality side, they’re looking to retain the title and are in a great position to do so and they’re top of the league for a reason.

“We took three points in the away fixture, a draw in The Showgrounds, a narrow defeat in a game Shamrock Rovers played quite well in, so we know we’re capable of getting a result and we go there with that in mind.”

Last time out they drew 1-1 with Waterford and they will have to do without the suspended Niall Morahan and Greg Bolger (who is set to miss two games having amassed a dozen yellow cards so far this season).

“The second half against Waterford, we were a little bit disappointed because we didn’t do enough to win the game. Waterford a good side with the form they’ve shown in the second half of the season, they’ve proven very difficult to beat.

“We have known for the last two weeks that we’d be without Greg and Niall for this fixture. They’re brilliant midfielders but we do have a squad with lots of quality in it and we’ve kept in mind the changes we’d have to make as we’ve prepared for this game.”

The Bit O’ Red are four points clear of fourth placed Derry City. “We know teams are trying to chase us down, we have that lead with seven games to go and the number of rivals is only increasing. It’s no surprise with the way the league is and we’re in the better position compared to last season. We’ve got to dig in and show what got us this far in the season.”

Referee: Rob Hennessy

MATCH STATS

Rory Gaffney and Danny Mandroiu are top scorers in the league for the Hoops this season with nine goals. Gaffney also has two goals from Europe and one in the FAI Cup.

In their last 11 games in the league, the Hoops have won nine and lost two. 

A game in the first week in July is the Bit O’ Red’s last league win on the road – that was a 1-0 win in Longford.

PREDICTION

2-1 home win 

Shamrock Rovers

Injured: Graham Burke

Doubtful: None 

Suspended: None

Sligo Rovers

Injured: Shane Blaney

Doubtful: None

Suspended: Niall Morahan, Greg Bolger

Stephen Kenny: ‘Our ambition is to win the group. We take the Nations League very seriously’ https://t.co/5sE5oVXvKspic.twitter.com/HOJibnoQ1Z

— Extratime.com (@ExtratimeNews) October 14, 2021