Sligo Rovers play host to Shamrock Rovers as the Hoops’ look to end their rut at The Showgrounds
Sligo Rovers have struggled at the start of this League of Ireland campaign with The Bit O’ Red failing to win in their first four games before defeating Drogheda United, albeit Drogheda’s away fan suspension in place. Sligo will be looking to make it two wins on the bounce at home when Shamrock Rovers travel up the N4 to a ground they have found challenging to find consistent form in.
For the Champions finding consistency has been a long lasting problem at the beginning of seasons with the Hoops’ yet to record back to back victories. Rovers have however had their best start to a league campaign since 2022 with eight points accrued out of a possible fifteen. Rovers showed character in their last away game this Monday when they fought from two goals down to secure what could be a valuable point against Shelbourne.
Key Information
Kick Off: 8pm, Friday March 13th
Where to Watch: Virgin Media Two (In Ireland), LOI TV (Outside of Ireland
Betting Odds: Sligo Rovers @21/4, Draw at 13/5, Shamrock Rovers @8/15
Referee: Paul Norton
Team News
Sligo Rovers will be without a number of players this Friday as Sean Stewart, Jad Hakiki, Shane Blaney and Conor Reynolds are all carrying muscle injuries. Carl McHugh is serving his last suspension after a red card versus bitter rivals Galway United.
The Champions have missed Rory Gaffney and Danny Mandriou to start the season and this will continue with both out with long term injuries. Dan Cleary picked up a knock versus Derry City last week and will be touch and go for Friday. Maleace Asamoah is expected to make his first appearance for the Hoops’ after his three game suspension with Wigan Athletic carrying over.
Key Statistics
Shamrock Rovers have not recorded a win away from home against Sligo Rovers since the 5th of June 2023 where Jack Byrne and Rory Gaffney put on a clinic to secure a comfortable 3-0 win.
Since 2024 Sligo Rovers manager John Russel’s win percentage has dropped from 36% to a meagre 20% at the start of this new Premier Division term.
These two sides meet on Friday the 13th for the first time since September 2024 where Johnny Kenny haunted his former team to secure a 4-0 Shamrock Rovers victory.
Key Players
James McManus will be critical for The Bit O’ Red this Friday as the Hoops’ will be expected to have the majority of the ball for longstanding periods, McManus on loan from Bohs will need to be on form to keep the champions embarrassment of riches in the middle of the park quiet. In possession the Dubliner will be trusted to facilitate Sligo’s key attacking players if they hope to get a result.
McManus’ direct rival on the night will be the forgotten man for Shamrock Rovers last season Jack Byrne. The Ballybough native has been back to his best after his loan spell with Dubai Irish in the second half of last season. Byrne has created eight chances already this season for the Hoops’ and has registered two assists, both being crosses to the head of captain Pico Lopes.
Previous Meetings
01/11/2025 – Shamrock Rovers 1-2 Sligo Rovers
05/07/2025 – Sligo Rovers 2-2 Shamrock Rovers
05/05/2025 – Shamrock Rovers 2-0 Sligo Rovers
03/03/2025 – Sligo Rovers 2-1 Shamrock Rovers