Sligo Rovers -v- Shamrock Rovers

• Christopher Davey
• Sat, Sep 26 2009


The two Rovers lock horns once again on Saturday at 7.30 pm in the Showgrounds.

Shamrock Rovers title challenge will be hampered by the loss of Pat Sullivan who is suspended while Ian Bermingham, Sean O'Connor, Paddy Kavanagh and Darragh Maguire all are rated doubtful for tomorrow's game with various injuries. Late fitness tests will be the order of the day for both Kavanagh and Maguire tomorrow, as the former attempts to overcome a hip injury while Maguire is looking to shake off a calf injury.

Craig Sives, who was suspended for last week's game against Bray, returns to O'Neill's squad for tomorrow's game.

Bar the suspended former Shamrock player Eoin Doyle and the long term injured Chris Butler, Paul Cook and Gerry Carr will have a full squad to choose from.

Speaking this week, Shamrock boss Michael O'Neill is not underestimating the task that awaits his team in Sligo tomorrow. “We’re going down there under no illusions.” he said. "We’ve won in Sligo already this season but we know this is going to be a tough game against a side that’s got some good results recently."

O'Neill no doubt referring to Sligo's recent turn of form since Gavin Peers has returned to the Sligo defence. “We haven’t had any easy games so far in this league and that’s not going to change – but we know what we’re in for, we have prepared accordingly and will be ready for it.”

Weather for tomorrow's game seems to be forecasted to be changeable as everything from sunny spells to light showers is predicted by the Met Office. The pitch in Sligo will however be in tip top condition as per usual no doubt. David McKeon will be refereeing tomorrow’s proceedings in the Showgrounds.

On the betting, Sligo are rather tasty at 13/5 while Shamrock are 10/11 to win. The draw is valued at 11/5.

Extratime.ie prediction; I'm going to stick my head over the parapet and opt for a Shamrock win at 2-0, priced at 15/8 with Paddypower.com