Credit:
Shamrock Rovers -v- Sligo Rovers
- Seamus Egan
- Fri, Sep 09 2011
Premier League leaders and champions Shamrock Rovers will take on FAI Cup winners and third placed Sligo Rovers in what promises to be the game of the weekend at the Tallaght Stadium on Friday night (kick off 8.p.m).
Michael O' Neill's side currently lead Paul Cook's bit of red by five points at the top of the Airtricity Premier League table. The Hoops come into this game after destroying UCD 6-0 in their FAI Cup replay at Belfield on Monday night.
Dean Kelly (groin), Conor McCormack (knee) and Ken Oman (knee) will all miss the game for Rovers. Billy Dennehy is doubtful with a groin problem.
Hoops boss Michael O’Neill believes that it is a chance for his side to put further daylight between themselves and their fellow title challengers “This is a big game for both teams. For us, it gives us a chance to put a good gap between ourselves and Sligo at the top of the table. We have a very good record against Sligo recently and we’ll be looking to keep that going”, O’Neill revealed to the Shamrock Rovers website.
Sligo's title challenge has slightly stuttered of late. A home defeat against Bohemians and a 1-1 draw against Derry last Saturday have had a negative effect on the Western club's bid for Premier League glory. However the visitors will enter the game against the champions with no injury concerns or suspensions.
Manager Paul Cook told the Sligo Rovers website that he is looking forward to the challenge in Tallaght “It’s a good challenge and it’s one we’re really looking forward to. I think this is the type of game you love to be involved in. I look at our players and I think they are in good form and they will relish a game like this. We’ll bring a big crowd, our away support has been magnificent all year and I’m confident we can get a result."
The two sides have already met three times in the league this season. Shamrock Rovers beat Sligo Rovers 1-0 at the Tallaght Stadium and the Showgrounds, while Sligo beat the Hoops 2-0 at home in June.
Shamrock Rovers.
Injured: Dean Kelly (groin), Conor McCormack (knee) and Ken Oman (knee).
Doubtful: Billy Dennehy (groin).
Suspended: None.
Sligo Rovers
Injured: None.
Doubtful: None
Suspended: None.
Referee: Damien Hancock .
Paddy Power Odds: Shamrock Rovers: 4/5, Draw: 9/4, Away: 7/2.
Extratime prediction:. Shamrock Rovers 2-1 Sligo Rovers.
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