Shamrock Rovers 2 - 0 Sligo Rovers - PREVIEW | 2018 League of Ireland Premier Division | extratime.com - The Home of Irish Football

- Tallaght Stadium
Referee:

Credit: Peter Fitzpatrick (ETPhotos)

League Preview: Shamrock Rovers -v- Sligo Rovers

Dave Donnelly
Fri, Jul 27 2018

SHAMROCK ROVERS

The Hoops will look to extend their unbeaten league run to six games when they welcome Sligo Rovers to Tallaght Stadium on Friday night (kick-off 8pm).

The Tallaght team bounced back from the disappointment of their Europa League elimination at the hands of AIK with a 1-0 win over third-placed Waterford last Sunday afternoon.

Stephen Bradley's side moved within four points of the Blues thanks to a second half header from Gary Shaw, the striker's first goal of the season.

“I think Sligo is going to be a tough game,” Bradley told the club's official website.

“They have attacking players in that part of the pitch that can hurt you. They’ve some good players.

“Mikey Drennan coming back is a threat. We know Mikey is a good footballer and he can finish. We need to make sure that we’re fully focused and respect them.

“I think we’ve been on a really good run of form for quite a while now. We’re defending well and creating chances, so hopefully we can continue that tomorrow night.

“Our new signings [Dylan Watts and Aaron Greene] have added a new dimension to us and made us stronger.

“We need to do what we did in Sweden and Waterford because that’s what it will take to win.”

Joey O'Brien is out after pulling out of the warm-up before the Waterford game, while Brandon Miele, Sean Boyd and Trevor Clarke are also injured.

Ethan Boyle will be assessed closer to the game after injuring his foot at the RSC, while goalkeeper Tomer Chencinski has left the club (see here).

SLIGO ROVERS

The Bit o’Red will look to make it three wins from three in Dublin this summer as they take on Shamrock Rovers in Tallaght.

Gerard Lyttle's side beat Bohemians 3-0 at Dalymount Park two weeks ago thanks to goals from Jack Keaney, David Cawley and a Dinny Corcoran own goal.

Sligo weren’t involved in league action last week as their scheduled game against Dundalk was postponed due to the Lilywhites' Europa League clash with AEK Larnaca on Thursday.

“We managed to fill a weekend off with a game against Glentoran,” Lyttle told the club's official website.

“It was a good practice exercise. We’ve trained well and prepared for what will be a tough game. It’s a good, big pitch and one I think we can do well on.

“Shamrock Rovers have had a good record recently, they’ve had a lot of clean sheets. They’ve signed well in the window. It’s a good test of us. It’s one we’re looking forward to.

“We face a lot of away games. It’s not ideal but we know what we can do away from home when you look at some of the results.

“We have an opportunity to add to those performances. That’s our aim and we’re excited about going there, trying to do it.”

Gary Boylan and Adam Morgan are the only injury absentees for Sligo, and they have no suspensions.

Referee:Rob Rogers.

MATCH STATS

The sides have met twice in the league so far this season, with the Hoops taking four points out of six.

The first game at Tallaght Stadium in March was settled by a single Dan Carr goal, while the return game at the Showgrounds ended scoreless.

Shamrock Rovers have not conceded a goal in their last five league matches with four clean sheets for Gavin Bazunu and one for Alan Mannus who started in the win for the Hoops in Waterford last weekend.

BETTING

Shamrock Rovers 4/9; Draw 13/5; Sligo Rovers 9/2.

PREDICTION

Shamrock Rovers 1 – 0 Sligo Rovers

Shamrock Rovers

Injured: Sean Boyd, Trevor Clarke, Brandon Miele, Joey O'Brien.

Doubtful: Ethan Boyle.

Suspended: None.

Sligo Rovers

Injured: Gary Boylan, Adam Morgan.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.