League Preview: Shamrock Rovers -v- Sligo Rovers

Fast forward to Friday and Stephen Bradley's side could be champions

Fast forward to Friday and Stephen Bradley's side could be champions Credit: Peter Fitzpatrick (ETPhotos)

SHAMROCK ROVERS 

Four in a row champions Shamrock Rovers will lift the Premier Division on Friday night when they host Sligo Rovers at Tallaght Stadium (kick-off is at 7.45pm). 

The Hoops will also bid farewell to Alan Mannus and Ronan Finn after the game with Mannus retiring and Finn returning to UCD.

But their boss Stephen Bradley wants them to put on a show in front of a sold-out home crowd.

“We’re all looking forward to the night with all our friends, families and, obviously, the fans. It’s been hard work winning one, then two, three and getting four is difficult,” he said. 

“It’s been about everybody chipping in every day and showing up. We’ve managed to win the fourth one which is brilliant so it’ll be a special time in Tallaght Stadium on Friday. 

“We’ll have a full house, everyone will be there, and I’m looking forward to celebrating with them and enjoying that moment. 

“They don’t come around too often, so we need to make sure we enjoy it together and really savour the moment.”

Jack Byrne remains out for the hosts.

SLIGO ROVERS 



Sligo Rovers boss John Russell is likely to be without Nando Pijnaker for Sligo Rovers’ daunting final day trip to Tallaght Stadium.

The Bit O’Red are winless on the road since May and only secured their top-flight status last week after a 0-0 draw against Drogheda United

And now they will visit the four in a row champions with doubts lingering on the fitness of New Zealand international Pijnaker. Gary Boylan and Mark Byrne remain out.

But Russell wants his side to rise to the occasion.

“It’s a tough venue as we know. The pitch is excellent, there’ll be a big crowd, the game is live on television and we can use it as an opportunity to showcase the talent we have,” he said. 

“I don’t think many will give us a chance and we can go there with a bit of freedom to express ourselves.



“That is something to look forward to and we have to approach it in that manner and of course be disciplined as well.

“When we started off at the beginning of the year we had much higher aspirations than what our league finish will be.

“It’s important we stick it out, sign off in the right style as a group because we have been in this together all year and give our supporters something to cheer for as well.”

 

Referee: Damien MacGraith.

 

PREDICTION 

Shamrock Rovers 3-0 Sligo Rovers 

 

Shamrock Rovers

Injured: Jack Byrne.

Doubtful:None

Suspended:N/A.

 

Sligo Rovers

Injured: Gary Boylan, Mark Byrne.

Doubtful: Nando Pijnaker.

Suspended: None.

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