Sligo Rovers -v- Shelbourne

SLIGO ROVERS

The League leaders entertain joint bottom side Shelbourne on Saturday night and the champions have been boosted by the return to action of captain Danny Ventre and Iarfhlaith Davoren who came off the bench in Monday's 3-0 win over UCD. Gavin Peers also returns from a hamstring injury. Joseph Ndo (hand) is nearing full fitness and Danny North (knee) is also nearing a return to full training.

Speaking to sligorovers.com, Ian Baraclough spoke about the competition for places in the Rovers squad and he will be making the most of the strength in depth ahead of a busy schedule of games.

"The number of players that are gunning for a place in the team will drive on the fellows holding the positions. It is up to everyone to stake a claim. Jeff Henderson has done very well. He had to wait for his chance and put in some accomplished performances.

"Gavin Peers is a quality player. He has been at the club for a long time as a cornerstone for Sligo Rovers and has been captain in the absence of Danny Ventre. He will not shy away from competition and it’s a excellent choice to have. This is the start of a busy period for us so opportunities will arise for everyone.

“Shelbourne are likely to come with a tight formation, they are strong physically and we have to be physically ready for that challenge. They haven’t had the start they would have wanted and will want to rectify that.

"It’s the start of a quick run of games with the Setanta Cup coming up and I want to keep the positive start and feeling going. We’ve taken each game on its merits and Saturday is another one to try to overcome.”

SHELBOURNE

Shelbourne travel to The Showgrounds in search of an upset as they look to secure their first win of the season and move away from UCD who lost to Cork City on Friday and currently sit below Shels on goal difference.

Alan Mathews will have to plan without the suspended Ian Ryan while Glenn Cronin and Ger Hanley will miss out through injury. One positive for Matthews ahead of the game is that Graham Gartland returns for selection.

Shelbourne took just one point from a possible nine against The Bit O'Red last season and go into this game with just one to show for their efforts in the first six games of 2013, while they face a side who have taken maximum points.

Referee: Paul McLaughlin.

MATCH STATS

If Sligo Rovers score four against Shelbourne they will have 50 goals for the calendar year already.

Rovers are unbeaten in their last five against Shelbourne, but the Dublin side have won 52 of the 115 meetings between the sides.

Another victory would mean The Bit O'Red would become the first team to win seven League games on the trot since Shamrock Rovers who accomplished this in 2009 from August to October.

BETTING

Sligo Rovers 2/7; Draw 7/2; Shelbourne 11/1.

PREDICTION

Another 3-0 victory for Sligo Rovers.

Sligo Rovers

Injuries: Joseph Ndo (hand), Danny North (knee).
Suspensions: None.

Shelbourne

Injuries: Glenn Cronin, Ger Hanley.
Suspensions: Ian Ryan.