European-chasing Sligo Rovers will take on Finn Harps this weekend in a match that could prove vital at both ends of the table.
Finn Harps are looking to fend off relegation, whereas their opponents and hosts will be hoping to sneak into the European spots before the season concludes.
Match preview
Currently eight points behind Derry City in third spot, the chance of Sligo making the jump into the top three is currently unlikely.
With a UEFA Europa Conference League first qualifying round tie against Welsh side Bala Town to look forward to next month, it looks as if Sligo's hopes of back-to-back European campaigns may have slipped away.
Woeful form in recent weeks has seen Sligo slip down the table, with the Rovers having picked up one win in their last seven Premier Division matches.
European campaigns are something that Finn Harps can only dream of right now as they currently sit inside the relegation zone.
Nine points off safety, Finn Harps already face an uphill task to claw themselves back into contention.
Much like their weekend opponents, Finn Harps are currently in the middle of a purple patch, with only one victory in their last 12 matches.
Recent meetings suggest that record is unlikely to improve, as Finn Harps have won just once against Sligo since February 2020.
Five victories for Sligo in their last seven meetings with Finn Harps stands them in good stead this weekend, as Rovers look to get their European push back on track.
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Team News
In need of an upturn in form, Aidan Keena should hold the keys to Sligo having a good run of form, with the striker having netted seven times this season.
William Fitzgerald will also feature in the Sligo attack, as will Karl O'Sullivan, who netted last time out against University College Dublin.
With one of the worst divisions in the league, Finn Harps goalkeeper Mark McGinley will likely be in for a long afternoon between the sticks.
Goals have been in short supply for Finn Harps this season, but strike duo Filip Mihaljevic and Eric McWoods both netted last time out.
Sligo Rovers possible starting lineup:
McGinty; Buckley, Blaney, Horgan, Kirk; O'Sullivan, McDonnell, Bolger, Morahan, Fitzgerald; Keena
Finn Harps possible starting lineup:
McGinley; Donelon, Rob, Carrillo, Boyle; Tourish, Connolly, Rainey; McWoods, Mihaljevic, Hery
We say: Sligo Rovers 2-0 Finn Harps
While there may be plenty of distance between these two sides in the table, the form standings sees them placed relatively close together.
With relegation looming for Finn Harps, expect Sligo to regain form and take the game to their weekend opponents.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Top tip
Amos Murphy
