League Preview: Sligo Rovers -v- Shamrock Rovers

SLIGO ROVERS

The Bit O’ Red return from the break with their first home game in a month as they host the Hoops on Friday night (7.45pm kick-off). The home side come into the match having lost their last two games, which were both on the road. 

The break has afforded time for the return from injury of both Nando Pijnaker and Simon Power. Pijnaker is available for the first time since he picked up a a rib injury against St Pats last month.

Meanwhile Power, a former Shamrock Rovers player, returns to the match day squad following a groin issue. 

John Mahon is still an absentee and John Russell will be able to pick winger Fabrice Hartmann for the last time. He will return to his parent club RB Leipzig after the game as his loan is set to expire.

He will depart the Showgrounds having scored eight times in 43 games to date.

Manager John Russell, speaking to his club’s media team said: “They have come back refreshed from the break and there is a real hunger and desire amongst everyone to really push on now and make the most of the second half of the season.

“We have two big, big home games coming up in the next week against Shamrock Rovers and Derry City. We need to make the most of that and we need our supporters in full voice for both games. 

“It’s very important that we play to our strengths on Friday against Shamrock Rovers and really impose ourselves.

"Shamrock Rovers at home is always a game our players and supporters look forward to and these are the nights everyone wants to be involved in. It will be a tough test but we will make sure we are more than ready for the game." 

Sligo Rovers are without a win over the Hoops in a dozen matches with their last win coming back in May 2021 in Tallaght Stadium.

Earlier this season the sides player out a scoreless draw in the Showgrounds. 

In the last game between the teams, played in Tallaght, it was a 3-0 home win.

SHAMROCK ROVERS

The Hoops entered the break having lost 2-1 for second time this season away to St. Patrick Athletic having led on both occasions. 

It means Stephen Bradley’s side have 15 league games left to play and are a dozen points behind league leaders Shelbourne and ten behind Derry City – they have a game in hand on the Reds and two on the Candystripes.

Bradley still believes his team can reel the two teams above them in the table to make it five league titles in a row.

“Can we still win this year? I’ve no doubt in my mind that we can,” said Bradley speaking to shamrockrovers.ie.

“I believe what this group has, so there’s no doubt we can win. But winning is extremely difficult and just because players have made it easy for so long, trust me it’s not easy. But there’s no doubt in my mind that we can still win the league this year.

“Winning is not easy. When you’ve been successful as these players have been for a number of years, some people can become complacent or slightly arrogant with it. We know in here how hard it is to win, it’s difficult to win.” 

During the break Bradley travelled over to watch their Champions League first qualifying round opponents Vikingur Reykjavik and was able to get a few more bodies back into his injury ravaged squad.

They are still missing six first team players but a crucial player who is now back and available is Gary O’Neill.

“For Sligo, we’ll have a few back, then at training on Monday we’ll have the majority back. For the Dundalk game, I think we’ll have everyone bar one back which is really good. It’ll be the first time in a long time we’ll have had that.

"We are getting there, but I’ve never seen anything like it in my career, it has definitely been a challenge for the group. 

“But so is life, so is football, we come up against challenges. Not everything is plain sailing, you deal with them the best you can and face them head on." 

Facing the Hoops on Friday is a Sligo Rovers side who beat league leaders Shelbourne in Tolka Park at the end of May.

“When you look at Sligo’s attributes and what they have, on their day they can beat anyone. We had a difficult game last time in Sligo (drawing 0-0) and Friday will be no different. 

“But I think our players are in a good place, they’ve had a little break in terms of a mental switch-off over the break and they’ve come back in a good place. We’ll go there fully focussed to win three points.”

Referee: Eoghan O’Shea

MATCH STATS

In the last dozen games between the sides, the Hoops have won eight, with the remaining four games ending in draws.

The Hoops are unbeaten at the Showgrounds since May 2019 when the home side won 2-1 with goals from Daryl Fordyce and Jack Keaney either side of an Aaron Greene goal for the visitors. 

In their last eight league games, Shamrock Rovers have lost four times and have just the two wins.

PREDICTION

2-1 away win 

Sligo Rovers

Injured: John Mahon

Doubtful: None

Suspended: None

Shamrock Rovers

Injured: Lee Grace, Neil Farrugia, Darragh Burns, Dan Cleary, Seán Kavanagh, Rory Gaffney

Doubtful: None

Suspended: None

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