League Preview: Shamrock Rovers -v- Sligo Rovers

SHAMROCK ROVERS

The Hoops welcome back World Cup star Áine O’Gorman as they host Sligo Rovers for the first time at Tallaght Stadium.

Captain O’Gorman sat out last week’s impressive 4-0 win over Cork City at Turner’s Cross as they recovered from their exertions in Australia.

Striker Abbie Larkin, who also made the trip Down Under, was on the scoresheet alongside Joy Ralph, Stephanie Zambra and Melissa O’Kane after the break.

Rovers have slipped to third in the league, seven points behind leaders Peamount and three behind champions Shelbourne, albeit with a game in hand.

And they will be confident they can close that gap as they look to make easier work of it than a last-minute 2-1 victory at the Showgrounds on the opening day.

Of the Bit O’ Red, O’Neill said: “They’ve actually been very impressive since the break. They lost to Athlone but when you look back on the footage of the game, they were probably the better side on the night. 

“The same last week against Wexford, Sligo caused them an awful lot of trouble but Wexford just seemed to take their chances when they came along. 

“They’ve good players in Casey Howe and Emma Doherty up top, so there is a threat there that we’re going to have to be very wary of. 

“I think they’re one of those sides that have been putting in good performances but just haven’t been getting the results.”

The Hoops will be without keeper Amanda Budden, who is awaiting news on a knee injury, while Jess Hennessy and Shanua Fox should shake off minor injuries.

SLIGO ROVERS

Sligo came within seconds of a hard-earned point when they hosted Shamrock Rovers on the opening day only to see O’Gorman snatch an injury-time winner.

It has not become any easier for the Bit O’ Red since as they have managed just four points - a win and a draw - from their 14 games to leave them second bottom.

A goalscoring tally of just 11 - bettering only Cork City and Treaty United - has been their achilles heel.

They came out 4-1 losers from an otherwise tightly contested tie live on TG4 with Wexford Youths last week.

Goals conceded at key moments saw the tie get away from the Connacht side but Casey Howe did get one on the scoresheet late on.

Manager Steve Feeney has a full deck to choose from for the trip to Tallaght.

Referee: TBC

MATCH STATS

The sides have met just once since Shamrock Rovers re-entered the league at the beginning of 2023.

Sligo, who are in their second season at this level, held Rovers to 1-1 until second-half injury time as Emma Hansberry cancelled out Shauna Fox’s opener.

But O’Gorman forced the ball home in the second half of injury time to ensure the Dubliners opened their campaign with three points.

BETTING

Shamrock Rovers ; Draw ; Sligo Rovers .

PREDICTION

Shamrock Rovers 3 – 0 Sligo Rovers

Shamrock Rovers

Injured: Amanda Budden (knee).

Doubtful: Shauna Fox, Jess Hennessy, Maria Reynolds.

Suspended: None.

Sligo Rovers

Injured: None.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.