Two teams battling in mid-table in the League of Ireland Premier Division will do battle on Saturday, as Sligo Rovers entertain Shelbourne.
A four-game unbeaten run has seen the hosts leapfrog their opponents recently, and they now find themselves four points and two places better off than the visitors.
Match preview
Sligo Rovers experienced a relatively positive start to the Irish top-flight season, as they amassed 19 points from the opening 12 games, before hitting a tough patch of form starting in May.
After back-to-back wins and a draw with league leaders Shamrock Rovers, John Russell's side went on to collect just one point from their next four outings to quickly drop down the table.
They have since regained a degree of form, though, firstly putting an end to that slump with a 2-1 home win over Derry City before following up a draw against University College Dublin with a 3-0 thrashing of Finn Harps, as Aidan Keena kit a brace alongside a goal from Karl O'Sullivan.
On the back of that win, the Bit O'Reds travelled to take on Drogheda United last time out, but they were forced to settle for a point as the game remained goalless against the eighth-placed side.
Having now climbed back into the top half thanks to their upturn in form, Russell's men will look to close the gap to fourth-placed St Patrick's Athletic, who sit just three points ahead having played a game more than Sligo Rovers.
They welcome a Shelbourne side hoping for a turnaround of their own after a tough run of results in recent weeks.
A tough start to the campaign left the visitors struggling in the bottom half of the table, but they bounced back in impressive fashion with four consecutive victories, firstly beating Friday's opponents, Drogheda United and St Patrick's Athletic.
A 2-0 win over University College Dublin, thanks to goals from Sean Boyd and Jack Moylan, continued Shels' impressive rise, only for their hot streak to be halted by a 2-0 defeat away at Shamrock Rovers.
That was followed by a trip to Bohemians, and Damien Duff's side again fell short as Dawson Devoy's first half goal made the only difference in a 1-0 away defeat.
Now on the back of a goalless stalemate at home to Dundalk, Shelbourne will be keen to ensure a winless run does not grow any further when they make the trip at the weekend.
- D
- L
- W
- D
- W
- D
- W
- W
- W
- L
- L
- D
Team News
Sligo Rovers' star man this season has arguable been Aidan Keena, who leads the way for goals with nine in 18 league appearances.
He should again lead the line, with William Fitzgerald and New Zealand prospect Max Mata likely operating on the flanks of a front three.
Niall Morahan and Adam McDonnell have virtually been ever-presents throughout the season and will continue to partner up in the engine room.
Shelbourne are without top scorer Sean Boyd, who will serve a suspension after he was shown a 10th league yellow card of the season last time out.
In his absence, Danny Carr could come into the front line alongside Jack Moylan, who has netted three goals so far this season.
After an impressive clean sheet, Duff will likely stick with the same defence consisting of Shane Griffin, Luke Byrne and Aaron O'Driscoll at the heart of a back five.
Sligo Rovers possible starting lineup:
McGinty; Horgan, Banks, Blaney, Kirk; Morahan, McDonnell; Fitzgerald, O'Sullivan, Mata; Keena
Shelbourne possible starting lineup:
Clarke; Farrell, Griffin, Byrne, O'Driscoll, Kane; McManus, Lunney, Hakiki-Filloche; Carr, Moylan
We say: Sligo Rovers 2-1 Shelbourne
Sligo Rovers find themselves in a strong run of form, and, with home advantage, we see them continuing to build momentum with a narrow victory.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Top tip
Sam Varley
