Match Preview: Sligo Rovers vs. Drogheda United
Drogheda United will be aiming to end their three-game losing streak in the League of Ireland Premier Division as they travel to face Sligo Rovers on Monday evening. The visitors have secured just one point from their last four matches, while Sligo comes into this contest on the back of a surprise 2-1 victory over division leaders Shelbourne.
Match Preview
Sligo Rovers pulled off a stunning result at Tolka Park on Friday evening, defeating Shelbourne 2-1. This victory moved them to 22 points in the League of Ireland Premier Division. Sligo’s record stands at five wins, seven draws, and six losses from 18 league matches this season, placing them eighth in the table, just two points behind sixth-placed Bohemians.
Despite their recent win, John Russell’s side has struggled at home, securing only 10 points from nine games. They will face a Drogheda team that has managed just three points from their nine away matches this season.
Historically, Sligo finished eighth in the league last year and have won the top league three times, with their last title coming in 2012. However, Rovers have won only one of their last six league encounters against Drogheda, including a 3-1 defeat in their last meeting in April.
Drogheda United heads into this match following three consecutive defeats to Galway United, Waterford, and Shamrock Rovers. Since their 1-1 draw with Shelbourne on May 10, they have struggled, sitting in ninth position with 15 points. They trail Sligo by seven points and are just two points ahead of bottom-placed Dundalk, making this match crucial.
United has yet to secure an away victory this season, with only five goals scored in nine away games. They will be looking for their first away win over Sligo since June 2021, drawing confidence from their 3-1 victory in the last clash between the teams.
Form
Sligo Rovers League of Ireland Premier Division Form: LWDLDW
Drogheda United League of Ireland Premier Division Form: LWDLLL
Team News
Sligo Rovers will be without William Fitzgerald, Simon Power, Nando Pijnaker, and John Mahon due to injuries. Additionally, Conor Reynolds is likely to miss out after being forced off in their recent win against Shelbourne. Owen Elding is expected to replace Reynolds, and Ellis Chapman, who has four league goals this season, will continue in the number 10 role.
For Drogheda United, Warren Davis and Aaron McNally are sidelined with fitness issues. The team emerged from their clash with Shamrock Rovers without new injuries, and head coach Kevin Doherty is expected to stick with his current lineup. Frantz Pierrot, who has scored four goals this season, will lead the attack.
Possible Lineups
Sligo Rovers:
• Starting XI: McGinty; Wilson, Denham, Elding, Hutchinson; Hartmann, Morahan, Malley, Radosavljevic; Chapman; Barlow
Drogheda United:
• Starting XI: Wogan; Heeney, Keaney, Cann, Weir; Gallagher, Deegan; Foley, Markey, Bawa; Pierrot
Tune in to see if Drogheda United can break their losing streak and secure a vital win on the road.
