League Preview: Sligo Rovers -v- Bohemians

SLIGO ROVERS

Sligo Rovers will be looking to maintain their European charge when they welcome title-chasing Bohemians to the Showgrounds (kick-off is at 7.45pm).

The Bit O’Red come into this evening’s game off the back of a scoreless draw away to St Patrick’s Athletic

“Given it wasn’t a performance we were happy with last week, a point was important for us. It’s a congested table so every result counts,” Sligo boss Liam Buckley told his club’s media team.

“This is another six-pointer, a good result could put us right up there again. We have to eke out as many results as we can, it is something we’ve said to the players from the start of the season. It makes all the difference. This is a stiff test, but one we are looking forward to.

“We’re expecting a tight game. One thing we would like to do compared to last week is keep possession better and use it better. That sort of improvement will be important.

“We can’t affect what Bohs do, except by imposing ourselves on the game, our focus is on producing an overall performance from our end.

In team news Danny Kane, Darren Collins, Sigitas Olberkis and Johnny Dunleavy are out while Niall Morahan serves a one-game suspension for the red card last week.

BOHEMIANS

Bohemians will be looking to bounce back from their costly defeat at home to Waterford last week when they travel westwards to take on Sligo Rovers.

The Bit O’Red have impressed at home this season since the restart and are lurking in the long grass as they look to achieve the golden prize of European football next season.

However, the Gypsies will be hoping that they can park their fears of being undone by Sligo as they look to close the ever-increasing gap on table toppers Shamrock Rovers.

Keith Long’s charges are now eight points behind in their hunt for the Premier Division league title after trailing by two a fortnight ago.

Bohemians have yet to release team news ahead of their trip to Sligo, but they do have no suspension issues to worry about.

Referee: Rob Hennessy.

MATCH STATS

Bohemians are unbeaten at the Showgrounds since October 2017 when they lost one-nil against the Bit O’Red.

Sligo however have won their four previous league games since the restart – defeating Dundalk, Waterford and Shelbourne on their home patch.

BETTING

Sligo Rovers 11/4; Draw 15/8; Bohemians EVENS.

PREDICTION

Sligo Rovers 1 - 1 Bohemians

Sligo Rovers

Injured: Danny Kane (ankle), Darren Collins (ankle), Sigitas Olberkis (hamstring) and Johnny Dunleavy (knee).

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: Niall Morahan.

Bohemians

Injured: N/A.

Doubtful: N/A.

Suspended: None.