League Preview: Sligo Rovers -v- Derry City

• Andrew Dempsey
• Sat, Apr 24 2021




SLIGO ROVERS

Sligo Rovers will be looking to continue their excellent start to the season when they welcome Derry City to the Showgrounds this evening (kick-off is at 6pm).

The Bit O’Red secured a 3-1 win away to Bohemians earlier this week – and their manager Liam Buckley is hoping that his side can get another win on the board, this time at home.

“We worked extremely hard on Tuesday,” he told his club’s media team.

“There wasn’t a lot in the game, and we were happy with scoring three goals. We’ve been preparing well, recovering on Wednesday and then looking at this game.

“Our focus has been on being ready and prepared to be at it from the start on Saturday so we’ll try to do that and see if we can get the result.”

Buckley added: “It doesn’t change a lot for us (the change of manager). It is our performance that will have the biggest say from our end. 

“We’re quite clear on Derry being a good side with good players, the draw with Dundalk last Monday illustrated that and I think they’ve been unlucky this season. 

“It’s going to be as hard-fought as every other game we’ve played so far this season. Nothing comes easy, that is how the league is. We’re looking forward to it.”

In terms of team news for Sligo, both Danny Kane and Shane Blayney miss out through injury.

DERRY CITY

New Derry City manager Ruaidhri Higgins takes charge of his hometown club for the first time on Saturday evening as the Candystripes face Sligo Rovers.

Higgins was only appointed as the new Derry boss on Friday morning, taking over from the recently departed Declan Devine.

Devine left his role at the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium on Thursday morning.

And following Higgins’ appointment, Ireland boss Stephen Kenny gave his opposition analyst his blessing.

“I want to wish Ruaidhri the best of luck managing Derry City,” Kenny told the FAI’s media team.

“He has a very bright future in the game, and he'll be delighted to manage his hometown club that he played with for nine seasons, and we wish him well."

In terms of team news for tonight’s game, Derry have not issued any – but are expected to have a close to fully fit squad available for the game.

 

Referee: John McLoughlin.

 

MATCH STATS

The Candystripes are winless in their last nine competitive games – with their last win coming over Shelbourne in October at the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium.

Sligo Rovers are unbeaten in their last eight league games – with their most recent defeat coming away to Shelbourne in October at Tolka Park.

BETTING

Sligo Rovers 17/20; Draw 11/5; Derry City 16/5.

PREDICTION

Sligo Rovers 2 - 0 Derry City

 

Sligo Rovers

Injured: Danny Kane, Shane Blayney.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

 

Derry City

Injured: N/A.

Doubtful: N/A.

Suspended: None.