Sligo Rovers -v- UCD

SLIGO ROVERS

The Bit O' Red enter the game against UCD on the back of a two-game competitive unbeaten streak, an early run that is settling any nerves that weren't at rest in the Northwest. After snatching a last minute equaliser against Shelbourne in the league last Friday, Sligo dispatched Glentoran with style in midweek and they will hope that their now patented style of play will reap them rewards against UCD.

The cup winners' wafer thin squad will be tested even at this early stage in the season.  Mark Quigley is missing through suspension following his red card in Tolka Park last week, while Pascal Millien is unable to play as he is still awaiting a work permit. Both Jason McGuinness and Iarfhlaith Davoren has doubts over a hamstring injuries and will face fitness tests on matchday, and they will be joined on the doubtful list by Raffaele Cretaro who is still struggling with an arm injury that he sustained in pre-season.

Ahead of the game, manager Ian Baraclough was in a positive mood as he said: “We had a good win on Monday night against Glentoran and it gives confidence, not just from the result, but also by the way we played. Training has been good this week and the players are looking forward to it. I’m happy with the preparations we’ve made and we’re in for a hard game. I’ve watched Martin Russell’s side and they will pass the ball and attack us. They do not change for anyone and they will not fear coming down to Sligo."

Baraclough then threw down the gauntlet to both fans and players, as he stressed the importance of making the most of the home advantage. “We want to remain unbeaten for as long as possible, especially at home, so this is a massively important game. It isn’t easy when you are missing players but we also have a squad that is very hungry and that is hugely positive.”

UCD

The lads from Dublin 4 will certainly be going to Sligo with fear firmly off the table, as they will no doubt be buoyed by their 1-0 victory against a highly fancied Cork City last Friday. They will no doubt be eager to add as many points as possible to their tally, and generate a run of form which could prove crucial in avoiding a relegation battle come the middle of next semester.

If UCD are to take something from the Showgrounds, they'll have to do it without the injured Gary Burke, Samir Belhout and Tomas Boyle. Mark Langtry and Paul Corry will also both be doubts for the game, with Langtry suffering from a foot injury while Corry is waiting for his ankle to recover.

Martin Russell is under no illusions as to the task that awaits him as he said that “Sligo will be as tough a challenge as ever. The fact is that they have the nucleus of the team from last season and they know each other’s game. Anyone going to the Showgrounds this year is going to have a test.”

Referee: Tom Connolly.

MATCH STATS

Sligo Rovers last home defeat was in August 2011, when Bohemians came from behind to dent the then title hopes of the Bit O' Red.

UCD last beat Sligo Rovers in April of last year, with Robbie Benson, Graham Rusk and Matthew Blinkhorn on the scoresheet. Since then Blinkhorn has left the Bit O' Red, while Rusk returns from injury for this game. Robbie Benson put in a man of the match performance last time he played in the Showgrounds back in October.

To find out when UCD last won in the Showgrounds, one must go all the way back to the 4th of August 2006.

BETTING

Sligo Rovers 3/10; Draw 7/2; UCD 10/1.

PREDICTION

On the smooth pitch in the Showgrounds, the home side will simply have too much for UCD. 3-1 to Sligo.

Sligo Injury News: Jason McGuinness, Iarfhlaith Davoren, Raffaele Cretaro (all doubts).

Sligo Suspension News: Mark Quigley.

Sligo Unavailable: Pascal Millien (work permit).

UCD Injury News: Gary Burke, Samir Belhout, Tomas Boyle - Mark Langtry, Paul Corry (both doubts).

UCD Suspension News: None.