League Preview: Sligo Rovers -v- Bohemians

Oluwaseun Akintunde is challenged by Gary Deegan during Bohemians Premier Division encounter against Drogheda United at Dalymount Park on Monday, 6 March 2023.

Oluwaseun Akintunde is challenged by Gary Deegan during Bohemians Premier Division encounter against Drogheda United at Dalymount Park on Monday, 6 March 2023. Credit: Martin Doherty (ETPhotos)

SLIGO ROVERS

Sligo Rovers boss John Russell has backed his side to respond to a tough few weeks when they host Bohemians at the Showgrounds on Friday night (kick-off is at 7.45pm).

The Bit O’Red have slumped to eighth in the table following a dismal run of form and risk being dragged into a relegation dogfight with Drogheda United and Cork City.

But their boss Russell stressed his side can turn their fortunes around sooner rather than later, despite their loss away to UCD last week.

“We are coming into Friday night’s game against Bohemians in a disappointing position in the table,” he said.

“I know that there is frustration around recent results and performances and this is understandable.

“We are aware of how important this game is for us and the players have worked hard all week in training.

“We have yet to beat Bohs this season, so we know we’re in for a tough game.

“I know the quality we have at the club and want the players to play without fear.

“I still believe in the huge potential of this team and I am hoping for a big performance in The Showgrounds in front of the home fans.”



BOHEMIANS

Bohemians boss Declan Devine insists that his side have prepared for a ‘very difficult’ clash against Sligo Rovers.

The Gypsies head into the tie off the back of a spirited 2-2 home draw against Shamrock Rovers last weekend – but Devine is taking nothing for granted.

“We have prepared all week for a very difficult game. I have been going to Sligo for 20 years and have never had an easy game there,” he explained.

“Derry went there a couple of weeks ago and lost 1-0, so we have to understand that it is a difficult venue against a team that is going to be hurting on the back of last week, playing in front of their own fans who will be demanding a response.

“Sligo have a lot of talented players, so we are under no illusions that it will be a tough game. Our mindset has been good all week and we know we have to get back to winning ways.



“We have got to take care of ourselves. The two games we have played against them have been tough games. We have had to work extremely hard to win those games and that’s the level we need to be at again.

“We are going to have to expend a lot of energy and aggression, and be forceful in attack.

“We have a lot of talented players so we have to look at our strengths and go there and be demanding of ourselves.”

Referee: David Dunne.

 

PREDICTION

Sligo Rovers 2-1 Bohemians

Sligo Rovers

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

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

 

Bohemians

Injured: Dean Williams, Luke Dennison.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

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