League Preview: Dundalk -v- Sligo Rovers
Fabrice Hartmann scored for Sligo Rovers Credit: Paul Dolan (ETPhotos)
DUNDALK
Dundalk will be looking to return to winning ways when they host Sligo Rovers at Oriel Park on Thursday evening (kick-off is at 7.45pm).
The Lilywhites were edged out by Shelbourne last weekend but can take plenty of positives from their display in Drumcondra.
One of those was via the performance of goalkeeper Seán Molloy who was a late starter after Ross Munro was injured during the warm-up.
Molloy will be hoping he can start again against the Bit O’Red.
“It would be great to play in front of these great home fans on Thursday. That’s what you dream of, playing in front of a packed Oriel Park,” he told his club’s media team.
“I’d be buzzing to play against Sligo if I get the shout. Like last week, I’ll prepare as if I am going to play, but if not, I’ll be happy for Ross to come back in, back to full fitness and hopefully keep that eighth clean-sheet.”
SLIGO ROVERS
Sligo Rovers will be keen to bounce back from last weekend’s dismal 4-1 loss at home to Waterford.
Sligo were missing a host of players for their trip to the RSC owing to international call-ups, injury and state exams. But boss John Russell admitted his side had an ‘off night’.
“We are really keen to pick up a good result in Dundalk, particularly given where both teams are in the table and the fact that we are heading into the summer break after this game,” he began.
“We want to go into the break in a good frame of mind and with a good result behind us at Oriel Park.
“We have a few players coming back after the mid-season break which is a huge positive for us.It would be great to come back after the break, facing into the Shamrock Rovers game with a few bodies returned and with a good result from Oriel Park in our back pocket.
“We had an off night in the RSC last week, especially in the second half where we gave away a few poor goals. So this Thursday, in Dundalk is the perfect opportunity to right a few wrongs and get back on track.”
Referee: Paul McLaughlin.
PREDICTION
Dundalk 2-0 Sligo Rovers
Dundalk
Injured: Koen Oostenbrink, Dara Keane.
Doubtful: Jamie Gullan, Ross Munro.
Suspended: None.
Sligo Rovers
Injured: Conor Reynolds, John Mahon, Nando Pijnaker, Simon Power.
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: None.
