League Preview: Sligo Rovers -v- Derry City

League Preview: Sligo Rovers -v- Derry City

SLIGO ROVERS

Sligo Rovers welcome Derry City to the Showgrounds on Saturday night as they look to return to winning ways (kick-off is at 7.45pm).

The Bit O’Red have struggled in recent weeks after an impressive start to the season.

But an opportunity to claim a scalp at home to Derry City is one that their boss John Russell is relishing.

“It’s important we focus on performing well on Saturday night,” he explained. “The last two games we under-performed and didn’t get the results we wanted.

“We are going through a tough period with injuries and player availability and that brings added pressure but, I believe in this group of players and staff.

“We have shown really good form this year so it’s vital we recognise that, stick together, and continue to improve, knowing the results will come off the back of that’’.

“Derry have picked up some important wins lately. We know it’ll be a tough test but it’s one we’re relishing.”

DERRY CITY

League leaders Derry City head into Saturday’s clash knowing that a win would extend their lead at the top of the table.

The Candystripes have also been boosted by the imminent return of Mark Connolly and Patrick McEleney from injury in recent days.

However, they are waiting on the results of a scan to reveal the severity of Colm Whelan’s latest injury setback. Ciaron Harkin remains a long-term absentee.

“We’ve won six and drawn two of our eight games away from home this season and it’s a record we’re proud of and we want to protect,” boss Ruaidhri Higgins said ahead of their trip to Derry City.

“Over the last couple of years our ‘away’ record has probably been the best in the league.

“It isn’t something we take for granted; we know we have to keep working hard but there’s a real steely determination within the group to keep going.

“With Sligo playing at home on Saturday nights I’ve been able to see quite a few of their games.

“They’ve lost a few recently but they’ve had players out injured who are now starting to come back.

“They’ve got some real quality in their squad and I have no doubt they’ll be climbing the table very soon.

“We just have to stay focused on ourselves for now and keep working the way we have been.

“There will be bumps on the road, that’s for sure, but we’ve proved now that we can deal with those and come back strongly.”

Referee: Paul McLaughlin.

PREDICTION

Sligo Rovers 0-2 Derry City

Sligo Rovers

Injured: Conor Walsh, Garry Buckley, Gary Boylan, Mark Byrne, Karl O’ Sullivan, Fabrice Hartmann, James Finnerty.

Doubtful: Max Mata.

Suspended: None.

Derry City

Injured: Colm Whelan, Ciaron Harkin.

Doubtful: N/A.

Suspended: None.