League Preview: Sligo Rovers -v- Dundalk

SLIGO ROVERS 

Sligo Rovers will be seeking to start their weekend off with a bang when they host Dundalk on Friday night (kick-off is at 7.45pm). 

The Bit O’Red also host Galway United on Monday evening in a rescheduled fixture. 

But they will be keen to return to winning ways having lost their last two games.

“We know the importance of this weekend,” boss John Russell told his club’s media team. 

“With two home games in quick succession it gives us an opportunity to bounce back after last weekend’s defeat to Shamrock Rovers. 

“Dundalk were probably the better team on Monday night against Bohemians even though they came away with nothing. They have good players who can hurt you so we’re aware of the threat they bring. 

“We know the areas we need to improve on and the players are fully focused and ready for the challenge ahead on Friday night.”

DUNDALK 

Dundalk interim boss Brian Gartland has called on his side to start taking their chances. 

The Lilywhites are without a win this term and have struggled to find the net. 

But he is confident that it might arrive against the Bit O’Red. 

“We performed really well at Dalymount Park on Monday night but the final action, an assist or a strike on goal, just wasn’t there,” he said.

“We’ve got a young profile of players in the forward positions and while it’s easy for us to say we need to have ‘more confidence’ – the reality is that confidence comes with your performances.

“If we bring the performances that we brought last Friday and on Monday then hopefully we can come out on the right side of it in Sligo.”

Referee: Paul Norton. 

PREDICTION 

Sligo Rovers 2-0 Dundalk 

Sligo Rovers 

Injured: John Mahon, Nando Pijnaker. 

Doubtful: None. 

Suspended: Simon Power. 

Dundalk 

Injured: Ciaran McGuckin. 

Doubtful: Zak Johnson, Robbie Benson, Robbie Mahon. 

Suspended: None.