Sligo Rovers -v- Dundalk

• Christopher Davey
• Mon, May 30 2011


Second plays host to fifth in the Showgrounds as Sligo Rovers will be looking to get one over Dundalk on Monday night and apply further pressure on Shamrock Rovers at the top of the table. Kick-off 7.45 pm.

Both sides in this encounter will see it as being winnable, with Rovers' form being as inconsistent as Sligo Rovers' form early on in a League of Ireland campaign and Dundalk battling their way bay back up the table week upon week echoing Sligo Rovers' form late on in a League of Ireland season.

Rovers come in to this game having lost as many as they have won, while the manner of their recent loss against St. Patrick's Athletic will be sure to stoke the embers of any title hopes which exist within the camp on Church Hill. While Paul Cook keeps echoing that leagues are won over the course of a season, and not in March or April, it's now nearly halfway through the season and the form must improve sooner rather than later if the League is to pay a year long visit west of the Shannon.

For Dundalk, the season is going much to plan and they find themselves in amongst the bunch of teams aiming to go to Dublin Airport for a Europa League game in the June of 2012. Daniel Kearns has hearts smitten in Oriel Park with his exciting play, while Mark Quigley has pitched in several efforts for Goal of the Season already, proving that he's still got it after his disappointing year in Dalymount last year.

Paul Cook will have a full squad to pick from, while Ian Foster will be missing the aforementioned Daniel Kearns through suspension although Ross Gaynor returns.

Speaking to press ahead of the game, Cook tried to remain upbeat and positive about meeting Dundalk. "I think people have to accept that everyone is going to drop points. Dundalk are a very good side. We watched their win over Derry twice now and they did very well." Before he complimented them again saying "They have good players that can hurt teams but we want to get back to winning ways".

Sligo Rovers are odds on favourites at 4/5 to win this, and realistically they should be desperate to see off Dundalk to rejuvenate morale in the North-West. However, Dundalk are unbeaten in the league for well over a month now and I can't see anything but a draw tomorrow.

Sligo Rovers
Injured: None
Doubtful: None
Suspended: None

Dundalk
Injured: None
Doubtful: None
Suspended: Daniel Kearns

Referee: Padraig Sutton
Betting odds: Rovers 4/5 Draw 23/10 Dundalk 7/2
ExtraTime.ie prediction: A 1-1 draw.