League Preview: Sligo Rovers -v- Dundalk

SLIGO ROVERS

Sligo Rovers host Dundalk in a vital clash in the battle for European qualification on Saturday night (kick-off is at 7.45pm).

The Bit O’ Red are riding the crest of a wave at the moment with John Russell’s side finding their feet this season.

And Monday’s win against St Patrick’s Athletic has catapulted them into the European race this term as they seek to make amends for missing out on Europe at the end of last season.

“We all know the importance of this game against Dundalk,” Russell said.

“The league is so tight at the moment and our main focus is to start putting a run of results together.

“Our performances last weekend gives us confidence going into this home game.

“We should have a few players back from injury and everyone is fully focused on getting another positive result.”

Sligo will be without Karl O’Sullivan, Garry Buckley, Mark Byrne and Gary Boylan for Saturday’s game.

Bogdan Vastsuk, Fabrice Hartmann and Eanna Clancy are back in training and should feature in the squad – but Greg Bolger and James Finnerty are both rated as major doubts.

DUNDALK

Stephen O’Donnell’s Dundalk make the trip to the North-West on Saturday night as they visit Sligo Rovers.

The Lilywhites come into this weekend’s game off the back of two successive wins against Drogheda United and UCD.

But they do visit the Showgrounds shorn of Robbie Benson, Andy Boyle, Greg Sloggett, Daniel Kelly, Louie Annesley and John Mountney.

However, Cameron Elliott is available after returning from a calf injury.

“Sligo were very unlucky against Shamrock Rovers in Tallaght last Friday,” O’Donnell said this week.

“They played very well and they recovered to beat St Patrick’s Athletic at Richmond Park on Monday afternoon so they’ll be full of confidence

“It’s a game between two good teams.

“There’s only a goal separating us in the table and we have the same amount of points after making similar starts to the season so it has the makings of an entertaining, open game and it’s one we’re looking forward to.”

Referee: Paul McLaughlin.

PREDICTION

Sligo Rovers 2-0 Dundalk

Sligo Rovers

Injured: Karl O’Sullivan, Mark Byrne, Garry Buckley, Gary Boylan.

Doubtful: Bogdan Vastsuk, Fabrice Hartmann, Eanna Clancy, Greg Bolger, James Finnerty.

Suspended: None.

Dundalk

Injured: Robbie Benson, Andy Boyle, Greg Sloggett, Daniel Kelly, Louie Annesley, John Mountney.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.