Dundalk -v- Sligo Rovers
Credit:
DUNDALK
After a hard fought point at home to Shamrock Rovers on the opening night of the season, Dundalk followed up that result with an impressive victory away to Shelbourne on Friday night. Goals from midfielders – John Dillon, Stephen O’Donnell and John Mountney - proved to be the highlight as the Lilywhites came away from Tolka Park 3-1 winners and currently lie 3rd in the table.
It has been a good start for the new manager Stephen Kenny who has seen his side go unbeaten competitively so far and will be keen to add another match to that run as they welcome the reigning league champions to Oriel Park.
In team news, Dundalk have a full squad to choose from as Dane Massey has served his suspension following his dismissal on the opening night of the season and Chris Shields has resumed full training after a knee problem and he is set to feature for the first time this season.
Speaking to dundalkfc.com ahead of the match, manager Kenny is confident of upsetting the champions.
“Our players have done brilliantly so far. We respect Sligo Rovers as Champions but we will continue to believe in ourselves. We have talented players at Dundalk FC and we will try to win every game. We want these players to reach their full potential at Dundalk FC.”
SLIGO ROVERS
Sligo Rovers make the trip east for the first time this season in the same position as they came last season – on top of the table! An impressive start for the 2012 champions as they have collected maximum points from their opening two matches after narrowly defeating Derry City in the Brandywell before dispatching Bray Wanderers with ease in their first home league match on Saturday evening last.
Anthony Elding has been hitting the headlines and appears to have settled into life extraordinarily well in the west and his goal scoring prowess is on full display for everyone to see. His influence could be key to the match at Oriel Park.
For the trip to county Louth, Sligo Rovers will be without the injured pair of Joseph Ndo who has fractured a bone in his hand while the long term injured Danny North is still working his way back to full fitness. Iarfhlaith Davoren has resumed full training and Pascal Millien is absent on international duty with Haiti.
Speaking to sligorovers.com ahead of the match, manager Ian Baraclough expressed his disappointment despite their victory over Bray Wanderers while he is anticipating a difficult game at Oriel Park.
“I wasn't satisfied with the performance on Saturday. We had to grind out the result which we did and scored goals but overall we can be much better.
“Dundalk will be full of confidence. Stephen has shown already with the players he brought in and the results that he can make a big improvement there and I expect a very hard game where we will have to produce a much better display."
Referee: Paul Tuite
MATCH STATS
Dundalk have not beaten Sligo Rovers in almost three years – May 2010 the Lilywhites were 1-0 victors with former Sligo player Fahrudin Kuduzovic scoring the only goal.
Sligo Rovers will be aiming to keep their first clean sheet at Oriel Park for the first time in seven games – stretching all the way back to May 2009 when the visitors secured a 2-0 win.
The Bit o’Red will be aiming to make it the perfect ten as they will be hoping to go ten games unbeaten against Dundalk.
Dundalk will be looking to win back-to-back matches for the first time since June 2011.
BETTING
Dundalk- 5/1 Draw- 11/4 Sligo Rovers 8/15
PREDICTION
Sligo Rovers to maintain their 100% record but not easily – 1-0 to the visitors.
Dundalk
injured: None.
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: None.
Sligo Rovers
injured: Joseph Ndo, Danny North.
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: None
