Tallaght Stadium is the venue for the clash between Shamrock Rovers and Sligo Rovers.
Sligo Rovers are heading to Dublin, seeking their first win in five matches. The challenge is significant, facing a Shamrock Rovers team that has only dropped points at home once this year. When the sides met earlier in the season, Shamrock Rovers were the victors.
Sligo Rovers’ Injury Concerns
Sligo Rovers will be without several players for the match. Seb Quirk, Conor Reynolds and Jad Hakiki were still recovering from knocks as of Thursday morning. Archie Meekison is also out, having been withdrawn against Galway. Ryan O’Kane, a winger, is expected to be in the match-day squad, having returned to action in the Galway defeat last weekend.
Sligo boss John Russell acknowledged the need for improvement after their previous performance. He said the dressing room was hurting after the Galway loss, stating the goals conceded were gifted and the team’s levels were insufficient. Despite the setback, Russell said the team has moved on.
Russell is aware of the challenge ahead. He recognises Shamrock Rovers as a tough opponent, particularly at home. He sees the game as an opportunity to compensate for the Galway defeat and demonstrate the team’s capabilities.
Russell added: “We won’t be going there as favourites, but it was the same at the end of last season. Circumstances are of course different this time around but I don’t think many outside of Sligo would have backed us to beat them on the last day of last season and we did.”
Shamrock Rovers Aim to Recover at Home
Shamrock Rovers are looking to bounce back after their defeat to Dundalk. Stephen Bradley’s team lost to a Tyreke Wilson goal at Oriel Park last week.
Bradley commented on his team’s performance, saying that much of their play was good. He felt they created the opportunities they expected but failed to capitalise on them. He added that on another night, they might have won the game comfortably.
Bradley noted that Dundalk took their chance in the second half. He concluded that it was one of those nights where they couldn’t convert their opportunities, but overall, their performance was positive.
Pico Lopes will not feature, as he joins up with Cape Verde for World Cup duty.
Bradley said: “Pico is the type who wants to play every minute he’s available. He’s been back running this week and the injury wasn’t bad, but we have to look at the bigger picture here, as a staff and a club.”
The match provides an opportunity for Sligo Rovers to make up for their defeat against Galway.