Dundalk vs. Sligo Rovers: Dundalk Seeks Vital Points in Relegation Battle
Struggling to escape the bottom of the League of Ireland Premier Division, Dundalk will face Sligo Rovers at Oriel Park on Thursday night, hoping for a crucial win following a recent managerial change.
Match Preview
Dundalk, a club with a storied history including five league titles over the last decade, finds itself in unfamiliar territory at the bottom of the table. Their most recent match was a narrow 1-0 defeat to title-chasing Shelbourne, where despite not registering a shot on target, Dundalk managed to hold off the league leaders until the 71st minute.
The departure of former manager Stephen O’Donnell has brought a glimmer of hope, with the team showing signs of improvement. Currently, Dundalk is eight points behind eighth-placed St Patrick’s Athletic, who have played two more games. Jamie Gullan has been a standout performer, scoring five goals in 20 appearances.
However, Dundalk’s goal-scoring woes continue to haunt them, having netted just 12 times in 20 league matches this season.
Sligo Rovers, sitting comfortably in sixth place, nine points clear of the relegation zone, will look to bounce back from a heavy 4-1 defeat at Waterford. This loss ended their three-match unbeaten run, which included victories over Shelbourne and Drogheda United.
Their previous visit to Oriel Park resulted in a 5-0 thrashing of Dundalk, but their latest encounter at the Showgrounds ended in a 1-1 draw, highlighting Dundalk’s potential to challenge their higher-ranked opponents.
Form Guide
• Dundalk: LWLDWL
• Sligo Rovers: DLDWWL
Team News
Dundalk:
• George Shelvey is serving a 10-match ban for a discriminatory comment.
• Sean Molloy is expected to start in goal following his debut.
• Midfielder Koen Oostenbrink is sidelined with a knock.
• Nando Pijnaker is out with a broken rib, and Simon Power is unavailable due to a groin injury.
Possible Lineup:
Molloy; Johnson, Walker, Boyle; Muller, Doyle, Horgan, Davies, Mountney, O’Kane; Elliott
Sligo Rovers:
• John Mahon remains out with an Achilles injury.
Possible Lineup:
McGinty; Wiggett, Hutchinson, Denham, Wilson; Chapman, Morahan, Barlow, Malley; Hartmann, Waweru
With both teams eager to prove themselves, Thursday’s clash at Oriel Park promises to be a thrilling encounter as Dundalk fights to climb out of the relegation zone and Sligo Rovers aim to secure their mid-table position.