League Preview: Sligo Rovers -v- Derry City

Sligo Rovers players in a huddle

Sligo Rovers players in a huddle Credit: Hugh de Paor (ETPhotos)

SLIGO ROVERS

Sligo Rovers will be seeking a scalp when they host Derry City at the Showgrounds on Thursday evening (kick-off is at 7.45pm).

The Bit O’Red defeated Shamrock Rovers 2-0 at home last weekend and have been boosted in recent days with Ollie Denham signing an 18-month deal with the club after making his switch from Cardiff City permanent.

Winger Stephen Mallon is available for selection for the first time, while goalkeeper Ed McGinty had his loan from Oxford United extended until the end of the season.

But Sligo have no fresh injury concerns, with John Mahon and Conor Reynolds remaining out.

“It’s going to be another tough game against a team chasing league silverware”, manager John Russell said.

“We put on a really impressive show against Shamrock Rovers last week and that performance showed we can play with the best the league has to offer.

“There were chances at both ends in the first half, but in the second half we shut them out and took hold of the game thanks to two brilliant Simon Power goals.

“That game is done now. We move on to Thursday and another team at the top of the table. We have almost a full squad to choose from now and we hope to keep as injury free as possible.

“With a fully fit squad and everyone available to choose from, we’re a match for anyone.”



DERRY CITY

Second-placed Derry City visit the Showgrounds with ‘momentum’ behind them according to boss Ruaihdhri Higgins.

The Candystripes defeated Drogheda United 5-1 last weekend and remain two points behind leaders Shelbourne.

They also welcome midfielder Jacob Davenport into their matchday squad following his arrival last month. Striker Colm Whelan may also feature after completing his return from a long-term injury.

“We’ve got real momentum at the minute and we’re playing well,” Higgins said. “What’s happened in the last three or four games there is irrelevant to be honest. We’ve won four games on the bounce at present and our only focus is trying to make it five.

‘There’s a break from league fixtures coming up as we turn our attention to European and FAI Cup games so it would be a real boost to go into that programme on a positive note.



“Obviously it will be far from easy. Sligo have put in some big performances of late; most notably their win over Shamrock Rovers last weekend.

“They’ll be boosted too by the fact that they’ve been able to keep hold of Ed McGinty and Ollie Denham. They’ve got good players and we know to expect a tough game.”

 

Referee: Damien MacGraith.

 

PREDICTION

Sligo Rovers 1-2 Derry City

 

Sligo Rovers

Injured: Conor Reynolds, John Mahon.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

 

Derry City

Injured: N/A.

Doubtful: N/A.

Suspended: None.

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