Sligo Rovers -v- Derry City

SLIGO ROVERS

Sitting three points clear at the top of the Airtricity Premier Division, Ian Baraclough has no injury worries heading in to Friday’s game against Derry City at The Showgrounds. Jason McGuinness returns for Rovers following a back injury whilst Mark Quigley returns from a six game suspension. Pascal Millien is not yet available.

Speaking ahead of the game, Ian Baraclough said he is happy with how well the squad are working together: “We’ve spoken about how it has been a squad effort so far and not the starting XI that has given us the good start. We have two Setanta Cup games and league matches coming up and everyone wants to be involved so that is a nice problem to have. Our small squad has brought us closer together and we’re working well.”

“I think with the game being televised it gives that extra little bit of excitement and we’re looking forward to the challenge of taking on Derry.”

DERRY CITY

Declan Devine’s side are currently sixth in the table and have several injury problems to contend with for the meeting with the league leaders. 

Stewart Greacen is expected to be out for up to eight weeks with a knee injury, while

Shane McEleney (knee), Rory Patterson (ankle), Ruaidhri Higgins (groin), Stephen McLaughlin (hamstring), and Owen Morrison (calf strain) are all doubts for the Candystripes.

Looking towards Friday’s game, Devine is full of confidence in his side: "We are expecting another very tough test on Friday, Sligo are flying high at the minute having had their best start to a season in a long time but we too have started well this season.” 

“Yes we have been disappointed with some of our results but at no stage has there been a lack of confidence in the squad. We started the week with a good win over Finn Harps and we will be looking to finish the week in the same manner.”

Referee: Richie Winter

MATCH STATS

The four league fixtures between these two sides last season resulted in two draws and two wins for Sligo Rovers.

Derry knocked Sligo out of the EA Sports Cup in 2011 after the game went to a penalty shoot-out.

Should Sligo win, they will equal the club record of consecutive home wins in all competitions.

BETTING

Sligo win 8/11; Draw 12/5; Derry 4/1.

PREDICTION

A 2-1 win for Sligo.

Sligo Rovers Injury News:None.

Sligo Rovers Suspension News: None.

Derry City Injury News: Stewart Greacen (knee), Rory Patterson (ankle), Shane McEleney (knee), Stephen McLaughlin (hamstring), Owen Morrison (calf), Ruaidhri Higgins (groin).

Derry City Suspension News: None.