Monaghan United -v- Sligo Rovers

MONAGHAN UNITED
Monaghan United will aim to register their first win since returning to the top flight of the League of Ireland when they welcome joint- leaders Sligo Rovers to Gortakeegan on Friday evening (Kick-off: 8.00pm).
 

United have seemed to settle relatively quickly to the demands of the Premier Division, with evidence of this coming in their last outing; a creditable draw with St Patrick’s Athletic at Inchicore. Taking the scalp of an impressive Sligo side would provide further proof.

Monaghan have Aidan Collins, Darragh Reynor and Bobby Ryan available for selection following injury, while Shaun Maher and Paul Whelan are within weeks of a return to the squad.

Mons boss Roddy Collins highlighted the upward curve in his teams’ performances prior to the visit of Sligo: “There has been genuine improvement in our side over three opening games of the season and we will get even better.  With so many new comers to the squad it takes time for everyone to settle and we are well there.”

SLIGO ROVERS
Sligo Rovers have adapted well to the late arrival of new manager Ian Baraclough, as they travel to Monaghan having not suffered defeat yet this term. Rovers’ last outing saw them advance to the semi-finals of the Setanta Cup following a 1-1 draw with Glentoran at the Oval on Tuesday night.

Sligo must do without suspended pair Alan Keane and Mark Quigley, while centre-half Jason McGuinness is a doubt for this game with a hamstring problem. Pascal Millien is not yet available but Iarfhlaith Davoren completed his first 90 minutes of the season on Tuesday night.

Baraclough praised his team’s beginning to the season but warned against underestimating Monaghan: “We’ve made a good start and we want to continue that. We’ve shown good spirit in all of our games and we’ll certainly have to do that in Monaghan if we want to get a result.”

Referee: Richie Winter
 

MATCH STATS
Sligo Rovers’ last visit to Gortakeegan in August 2011 ended in a 4-0 win for the Bit o’ Red in a FAI Cup fourth round replay, following a scoreless draw at the Showgrounds.

Monaghan United’s first senior cup final appearance ended in a 1-0 defeat to Sligo Rovers in the 2010 EA Sports Cup final at the Showgrounds.

The last league meetings between these sides were in the First Division in 2006, when Sligo finished as champions with 61 points, some 25 points more than 9th place Monaghan.

BETTING
Monaghan United 11/2; Draw 5/2; Sligo Rovers 4/7.

PREDICTION
Monaghan have begun the season solidly but Sligo’s attacking threat should be too much for the home side: Monaghan United 1-3 Sligo Rovers

Monaghan United Injury News: Paul Whelan, Shaun Maher, John Reilly
Monaghan United Suspension News: None

Sligo Rovers Injury News: Pascal Millien, Jason McGuiness (doubtful)

Sligo Rovers Suspension News: Alan Keane, Mark Quigley