League Preview: Sligo Rovers -v- Waterford

• Josh Dolan
• Tue, Aug 18 2020




SLIGO ROVERS

Sligo will be looking to put Friday night’s defeat to Cork City behind them when they host Waterford at the Showgrounds on Tuesday evening. (KO 5:45PM).

The Bit O’Red had been on a good run of form post lockdown, beating the likes of Derry City and Shelbourne before falling to a 3-0 defeat at Turners cross last Friday.

Despite being disappointed with Friday’s result, Rovers boss Buckley believes that the scoreline was harsh on his team.

“I thought the scoreline was harsh on Friday. We didn’t take our chances and Cork punished us. It’s a reminder you have to make the most of the opportunities you get,” Buckley told sligorovers.com.

The Dublin man is also hopeful that his squad can move on from this defeat quickly in order to pick up as many points as possible in this shortened season.

“We see in the league that teams will get beaten and we’re looking to move on from Friday and get the right outcome in this match. It is an important game but in truth every game is in this type of season.

Sligo will be without John Mahon, John Dunleavy, Will Seymore and Gary Buckley through injuries, although the quartet aren’t thought to be too far away from fitness.

Kyle Callan-McFadden is also a doubt for the game while Alex Cooper is available once more.

WATERFORD

Waterford will be hoping to continue their good league form since the SSE Airtricity League re-start when they travel to the Showgrounds on Tuesday.

Since the return of football, the Blues have beaten Shelbourne while also recording draws against Cork City and most recently Dundalk.

John Sheridan’s side found themselves 2-0 up against the Premier Division champions until the 84^th minute of the game, six minutes after Ali Coote was sent-off for a second yellow card.

On the 84^th minute Pat Hoban struck to make it 2-1 before Daniel Cleary equalised in stoppage time to deny Waterford all three points.

After the game Dundalk boss Vinny Perth spoke about Blues boss Sheridan, alleging that the former Republic of Ireland international had made comments that were disrespectful to the league.

Sheridan and Waterford will be hoping that they can leave those troubles behind them with a win against Sligo.

Looking ahead to Tuesday’s trip, Sheridan revealed that his players are continuing to gel and becoming more familiar with his style of football.

“The lads are gelling well together now although the fixture congestion is beginning to take its toll. I watched Sligo on Watchloi against Cork and Shelbourne. They looked particularly good against Shelbourne so I’m anticipating a tough game there,” Sheridan told waterfordfc.ie.

Sligo will be without Ali Coote who is suspended after being sent-off at Oriel Park.

Brian Murphy also went off injured in that game and will face a late fitness test on Tuesday.

Meanwhile Shane Griffin and Dean Walsh are available once more after injury.

Referee: Damien MacGraith

MATCH STATS

Sligo have conceded six goals at the Showgrounds in the league this season. No side have conceded more.

Waterford have conceded just two goals on the road this season. No team have conceded less.

Sligo’s last Premier Division win over Waterford came in July of 2007.

BETTING

Sligo Rovers 13/8; Draw 2/1; Waterford 8/5.

PREDICTION

Sligo Rovers 1–1 Waterford

Sligo Rovers

Injured: John Mahon, John Dunleavy, Will Seymore, Gary Buckley.

Doubtful: Kyle Callan-McFadden.

Suspended: None.

Waterford

Injured: None.

Doubtful: Brian Murphy.

Suspended: Ali Coote.