Sligo Rovers -v- Shamrock Rovers

• Christopher Davey
• Sat, Mar 12 2011


The game the league has been waiting for has come around quite early as the clash of the two FAI Cup finalists, the two Rovers, and arguably the two favourites for the league takes place when Sligo Rovers and Shamrock Rovers in The Showgrounds on Saturday night (Kick-off 7.45pm)

The sides indeed are still as closely matched as when they finished the cup final, both having improved their squads so that the bookies are finding it impossible to differentiate the two sides. Odds for both sides to win are equal at 8/5.

Both sides started the league campaign by recording victories, as Sligo recorded a hard fought 1-0 victory in the Brandywell against Derry City, while the Hoops beat Dundalk 3-1 convincingly in Tallaght, with former Sligo Rover Gary McCabe scoring a fantastic volley as he did so typically for Sligo last year. Odds for McCabe to rattle his former club on his return to Showgrounds with the first goal tomorrow are 10/1.

Shamrock Rovers will be missing the services of midfielder Stephen O'Donnell through suspension while influential defender Craig Sives is a doubt with a hamstring problem. Sligo Rovers have a full squad to choose from, but FAI cup final Man of the Match Joseph Ndo is unlikely to make an appearance as he is still getting back to full match fitness after missing part of the pre-season.

A very high turnout is expected tomorrow at the Showgrounds and supporters both home and away are asked to arrive as early as possible to the game tomorrow. Gates for home fans will be open from 6.15pm while those following the Hoops can enter from 6.30pm onwards.

Speaking to the press before the game, Michael O'Neill seemed very wary of the threat posed by the side which ended the Hoops' runs in both domestic trophies last season. "Games against Sligo are always ones we look forward to.",he said. "The games between our two sides have been very tight in recent years, and they are as tough as games come. We have a slightly different squad now from last year, but are still expecting a tough challenge."

Tomorrow's game will be one to relish, as all recent games between these two sides in the Showgrounds have been. As O'Neill says, these games are always tight and frequently come down to one lapse in concentration from the defence coupled with a moment of magic in attack.

However, the loss of Joseph Ndo to Sligo is big. Although we saw their trademark possession in patches in the Brandywell, they struggled in the second half to assert themselves in the game until Kirby came on.

O'Neill will know how to disrupt Sligo's play though, and with players like the aforementioned McCabe, Chris Turner, and the prolific Gary Twigg, they have the players to produce the magic to win the game if the Shamrock defence can keep Sligo scoreless.

Sligo Rovers
Injured: None.
Doubtful: Joseph Ndo.
Suspended: None.

Shamrock Rovers
Injured: None.
Doubtful: Craig Sives (Hamstring).
Suspended: Stephen O'Donnell.

Referee: Derek Tomney (Dublin).

Paddy Power Odds: Sligo 8/5 - Draw 11/5 - Shamrock 8/5.

Extratime prediction: A 1-0 win for Shamrock Rovers.