League Preview: Sligo Rovers -v- St. Patrick's Athletic

• Aaron Cawley
• Fri, Jul 08 2016



Sligo Rovers welcome St Patrick's Atletic to the Showgrounds this Saturday night. Sligo are currently unbeaten in 8 games in all competitions and were unfortunate not to come away with all three points when the sides met earlier in the season in Richmond  Park.
 
SLIGO ROVERS
Dave Roberstson's side haven't played in two weeks since they drew at home to Bray Wanderers. Since that game Sligo have signed ex Dundalk, Peterborough and Carlisle United winger Daniel Kearns and he is expected to make his debut if his clearance comes through in time.
 
Robertson will be without Gary Armstrong who has a hamstring injury but he otherwise he has a fully fit squad to pick from.
 
Speaking ahead of the game Roberston told sligorovers.com, "We will be looking for a good performance tomorrow against St. Pat’s first and foremost. One thing we do know playing them is that it will be a good football match.
 
"Liam Buckley has done a good job of creating a clear identity and style of play there. We know what to expect from them, I saw them recently in the home leg of their European tie."
 
Saturday's game is St Pat's third away game in a week after they travelled to Dundalk in the league and Jeunesse Esch in Europe. Speaking about St Pat's European adventures, Roberston doesn't see this as a distraction.
 
"I don’t think it will really hamper them. Similar to ourselves they will be used to playing on a Tuesday-Saturday-Tuesday basis. I don’t this should be a problem to them. We played on Wednesday ourselves so there shouldn’t be much difference. We expect them to be strong opposition tomorrow and are looking forward to it.”
 
ST. PATRICK'S ATHLETIC
Pats boss Liam Buckley brings his side to the Showgrounds on the back of a famous victory against Luxembourg side Jeunesse Esch last Tuesday night. The Saints progressed to the next qualifying of the Europa League via the away goals rule.
 
With the Inchicore club's focus now returning to domestic matters, Buckley is expecting another close game with Sligo after the draw in Richmond Park earlier this season. Speaking to stpatsfc.com, Buckley said, "It’s good to get back to league action off the back of progression in the Europa League during the week.
 
"Preparations have gone well since the game against Jeunesse on Tuesday. The team got back to Dublin late on Tuesday night and they’ve recovered well ahead of this game against Sligo.
 
"We’ve more or less got a full squad to choose from so that gives us options in terms of selection. Our last game against Sligo in Richmond could’ve gone either way as both sides had late chances to win it, but it finished 1-1. I’d expect another tight game that could be decided by the odd goal. Hopefully though, we can be at it from the start and come away with a result.” 
 
Referee: Neil Doyle.
 
 
MATCH FACTS
Gary Boylan scored his first ever goal for Sligo Rovers in the 1-1 draw earlier on this season at Richmond Park.
 
This will be the first time back at the Showgrounds for David Cawley after he signed for St Patrick's Athletic in the off-season.
 
The Bit O’Red are seven games undefeated at home since the opening weekend of the season. It’s the best Showgrounds run since 2013 and is longer in all competitions than any other Premier Division team.
 
 
BETTING
Sligo Rovers 6/5; Draw 21/10; St Patrick's Athletic 23/10.
 
 
PREDICTION
Sligo Rovers 2-1 St Patrick's Athletic.
 
 
Sligo Rovers
Injured: Gary Armstrong 
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: None.
 
St Patrick's Athletic
Injured: Jack Bayly
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: None.