League Preview: Sligo Rovers -v- Waterford

SLIGO ROVERS 

Sligo Rovers can ill-afford another no show when they host Waterford at the Showgrounds on Saturday night (kick-off is at 7.45pm). 

The Bit O’Red slumped to an embarrassing 7-0 loss away to Drogheda United last weekend having lost at home to UCD a week beforehand in the FAI Cup.

But their boss John Russell told his club’s website he is confident that result is out of their system.

“The Drogheda game is history now and there is absolutely nothing we can do now to affect that result”, he says. “We have moved on and I am happy with how the players have reacted this week in training.”

“What we can do now is affect the outcome of Saturday’s game and the games between now and the end of the season. Right now, our full focus is on Waterford and it’s a massive game. Both teams are inseparable on points and it promises to be a cracker of a game between two teams who play attacking football so we’re hoping for a big crowd to encourage the players as they can affect things too.”

Nando Pijnaker is again expected to miss out, while winger Stephen Mallon will face a late fitness test. Stefan Radosavljevic joins John Mahon and Conor Reynolds on the treatment table.

WATERFORD

Waterford can jumpstart their European hopes on Saturday evening when they travel to the North West to take on Sligo Rovers.

The Blues are fourth in the table and just two points behind third-placed Galway United.

But Keith Long’s men have lost four of their last five in all competitions and come into this fixture off the back of a 1-0 defeat at home to Derry City. 

They have also lost to Shamrock Rovers (2-1), Drogheda United (2-0) and Athlone Town (3-2) recently. 

The Blues have not issued team news for Saturday’s game.

Referee: Paul Norton.

PREDICTION

Sligo Rovers 2-1 Waterford

Sligo Rovers 

Injured: Nando Pijnaker, Stefan Radosavljevic, John Mahon, Conor Reynolds.

Doubtful:None. 

Suspended:None.

Waterford

Injured: N/A. 

Doubtful:N/A. 

Suspended:None.

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