Sligo Rovers -v- Shamrock Rovers

• Christopher Davey
• Sat, Mar 06 2010


Shamrock Rovers hopes of denying local rivals Bohemians a third title begin with a tricky away trip to the West on Saturday night as they take on Sligo Rovers in what is expected to be a lively clash. (kick off 7.45pm)

The Bit ‘O’ Red had a miserable time against the Hoops last season losing all four of their league games and revenge will be in the air to remedy this for the 2010 season.

Both Michael O’Neill and Paul Cook have improved their squads immensely over the off-season however they will both be hampered by injury doubts going into the game.

Sligo Rovers have question marks over the fitness over three players, new recruit Gary McCabe has a tweaked hamstring, Gavin Peers has a knee injury and Matthew Blinkhorn picked up a knock during training in the week.

Shamrock Rovers will be sweating over the fitness of the prolific Scotsman Gary Twigg, while Craig Sives and Pat Sullivan will also be missing through suspension for the game tomorrow.

Without a doubt, this fixture is the pick of those being played on Saturday and it is expected to draw a large audience. The powers that be have appealed for Sligo fans to arrive early into the game, due to the demand to attend from both set of supporters.

Venue: Showgrounds, Sligo

Referee: A. Buttimer

Paddypower.com odds: Sligo 9/4, Shamrock, 11/10, Draw, 9/4

Sligo Rovers:
Injured: None.
Doubtful: Gavin Peers, Gary McCabe, Matthew Blinkhorn.
Suspended: None.

Shamrock Rovers:
Injured: None.
Doubtful: Gary Twigg.
Suspended: Craig Sives, Pat Sullivan.

Extratime.ie prediction: 3-0 Shams.