Sligo Rovers -v- Derry City
Credit:
Third placed Sligo Rovers host league leaders Derry City on Saturday afternoon when a win for the home team would take them level on points with the Candystripes. (Kick-Off 2.45pm).
Derry knocked Sligo out of the EA Sports Cup last week in spectacular fashion when the game was taken to penalties, having ended 3-3 after extra time. Daniel Lafferty gave Stephen Kenny’s men the lead but Danny Ventre then equalised before Stephen McLaughlin put Derry back in front. Eoin Doyle then notched one back for Sligo before full time. Stephen McLaughlin doubled his tally in extra-time but a late goal from the Tallaght man Eoin Doyle brought the came to penalties. Derry emerged victorious after the penalty shoot-out.
In terms of the league, Derry are yet to beat Rovers this season. Paul Cook’s side defeated them 1-0 at The Brandywell on the opening day of the season. Indeed, the last time Derry came to The Showgrounds it was most certainly an unforgettable trip. Stephen Kenny had three men sent off with a further five booked. Sligo also had Gavin Peers sent off but they finished 3-0 winners in what was an extremely exciting game. Back in June, both sides settled for a share of the spoils after playing out a scoreless draw.
Paul Cook has no fresh injury worries and has a full squad for Saturday's game. Sligo are boosted by the return of the ever consistent Alan Keane who has been missing for several weeks with a thigh injury. Brendan Clarke returns from suspension and John Russell will be back after missing the FAI Ford Cup fourth round victory over Monaghan United due to illness.
Paul Cook said that this is an important weekend for his team: “We have got nine games. I think if you win all nine you win the league. I’m not saying we will do that, but we have to take each one at a time and give it a go. You have to go with the mindset that you are the best team in the league. This is a pivotal weekend. There is no doubt about that and we’re looking forward to it. It will be a very big day. We’ve got a cup quarter-final and with nine games left we are in contention to win the league and I think people need to remember that.”
Stephen Kenny is awaiting news on the fitness of Kevin Deery. Deery has an ankle injury and was missing when the Candystripes faced Sligo in the EA Sports cup. Gareth McGlynn is still missing after he was unfortunate to pick up an injury whilst playing in the Dublin Super Cup. Mark Farren makes his comeback after a lengthy spell on the sidelines with a serious illness.
Stephen Kenny has applauded the effort of his team this season: "We're in a great position with nine games to go - the players have put together a terrific run. This is an important game for us and we are ready for it. We have been consistent - the players have applied themselves for every single game and have been determined to do well. They have believed in themselves and really excelled. We have done well by attacking teams all season and we aim to continue doing that.”
Sligo Rovers
Injured: None.
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: None.
Derry City
Injured: Gareth McGlynn (knee).
Doubtful: Kevin Deery.
Suspended: None.
Referee: Dave McKeon.
Paddy Power Odds: Sligo Rovers 6/5; Draw 21/10; Derry City 9/4.
Extratime prediction: A 2-2 draw.
Derry knocked Sligo out of the EA Sports Cup last week in spectacular fashion when the game was taken to penalties, having ended 3-3 after extra time. Daniel Lafferty gave Stephen Kenny’s men the lead but Danny Ventre then equalised before Stephen McLaughlin put Derry back in front. Eoin Doyle then notched one back for Sligo before full time. Stephen McLaughlin doubled his tally in extra-time but a late goal from the Tallaght man Eoin Doyle brought the came to penalties. Derry emerged victorious after the penalty shoot-out.
In terms of the league, Derry are yet to beat Rovers this season. Paul Cook’s side defeated them 1-0 at The Brandywell on the opening day of the season. Indeed, the last time Derry came to The Showgrounds it was most certainly an unforgettable trip. Stephen Kenny had three men sent off with a further five booked. Sligo also had Gavin Peers sent off but they finished 3-0 winners in what was an extremely exciting game. Back in June, both sides settled for a share of the spoils after playing out a scoreless draw.
Paul Cook has no fresh injury worries and has a full squad for Saturday's game. Sligo are boosted by the return of the ever consistent Alan Keane who has been missing for several weeks with a thigh injury. Brendan Clarke returns from suspension and John Russell will be back after missing the FAI Ford Cup fourth round victory over Monaghan United due to illness.
Paul Cook said that this is an important weekend for his team: “We have got nine games. I think if you win all nine you win the league. I’m not saying we will do that, but we have to take each one at a time and give it a go. You have to go with the mindset that you are the best team in the league. This is a pivotal weekend. There is no doubt about that and we’re looking forward to it. It will be a very big day. We’ve got a cup quarter-final and with nine games left we are in contention to win the league and I think people need to remember that.”
Stephen Kenny is awaiting news on the fitness of Kevin Deery. Deery has an ankle injury and was missing when the Candystripes faced Sligo in the EA Sports cup. Gareth McGlynn is still missing after he was unfortunate to pick up an injury whilst playing in the Dublin Super Cup. Mark Farren makes his comeback after a lengthy spell on the sidelines with a serious illness.
Stephen Kenny has applauded the effort of his team this season: "We're in a great position with nine games to go - the players have put together a terrific run. This is an important game for us and we are ready for it. We have been consistent - the players have applied themselves for every single game and have been determined to do well. They have believed in themselves and really excelled. We have done well by attacking teams all season and we aim to continue doing that.”
Sligo Rovers
Injured: None.
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: None.
Derry City
Injured: Gareth McGlynn (knee).
Doubtful: Kevin Deery.
Suspended: None.
Referee: Dave McKeon.
Paddy Power Odds: Sligo Rovers 6/5; Draw 21/10; Derry City 9/4.
Extratime prediction: A 2-2 draw.
