Sligo Rovers -v- Limerick FC

SLIGO ROVERS

Following an impressive mid-week victory over Dundalk in Oriel Park, Sligo Rovers return to action in The Showgrounds as they face newly promoted Limerick on Saturday evening.

The Bit O' Red are still without Danny North (knee), Danny Ventre (leg) and Joseph Ndo (hand) but welcome back Pascal Millien who missed the 3-1 triumph over the Lilywhites due to International duty with Haiti.

Ian Baraclough spoke to sligorovers.com about his side's start to season and expressed his delight with Tuesday's performance having asked for an improved performance from his side following last weekend's game against Bray Wanderers.

“It has been a real solid start. Three goals in Dundalk and a very good performance, coupled with the result against Bray, made it a very good week for us. It’s what we have wished for in terms of beginning the season. We got an early goal against Dundalk and coped well, making no excuses and going out and getting the points.

"It was a better display compared to the game with Bray and we were strong throughout I felt. I think Dundalk are a different proposition this season and we came away with an excellent win in Oriel Park."

LIMERICK FC

Newly promoted Limerick will be looking to build on their impressive start to the season when they visit Sligo Rovers on Saturday evening.

The visitors have picked up five points from their first three games and a victory at the home of the champions would move them within a point of top spot which is currently occupied by the champions.

Stuart Taylor may have to plan without up to four players for this game. Dave O'Leary, Rory Gaffney and Dominic Foley are all out while Jeffrey Judge has been rated as "in contention".

Taylor spoke to limerickfc.ie ahead of tomorrow's tie. 

“To start, it’s my first opportunity to congratulate Ian Baraclough on the fantastic achievement of winning the league in his first season in the job. He’s built on the good work Paul Cook did previously and brought the club to a new level.Sligo play some excellent football, they have a really balanced side, their full backs get involved in the attacks which gives their strike force a lot of ammunition”

“We’ll enjoy it, there’s no pressure on our players, and it’s a good test coming at a good time. The players are confident and bubbling. They’re looking forward to the challenge, especially away from home and they’ll thrive on it, we’re expecting a big crowd a good atmosphere and the players are looking forward to playing on the surface in Sligo which aids our own passing game. there’s very little expectation so we’re focused on going up to Sligo, playing our game and expressing ourselves. Everyone’s been really happy with the start we’ve made and this presents a great challenge to test ourselves against the Champions.”

Referee: Rob Rogers.

MATCH STATS

This is the first time since October 21st, 2005 that the two sides will face each other when they played out a 1-1 draw at Pike Rovers' Sports Complex.

Rafael Cretaro is the only player from the Sligo Rovers squad who played in that game that is still with the club today.

A win or draw for the Blues would see them record the best start to a Premier Division side for a newly promoted side since 2005.

BETTING

Sligo Rovers 8/15; Draw 13/5; Limerick 11/2.

PREDICTION

Sligo Rovers to maintain their 100% record with a tight 1-0 win. Anthony Elding to score.

Sligo Rovers

Injured: Danny North (knee), Danny Ventre (leg), Joseph Ndo (hand).
Suspended: None.

Limerick

Injured: Jeffrey Judge (doubtful), Dave O'Leary, Rory Gaffney, Dominic Foley.
Suspended: None.