The League of Ireland Premier Division continues this week and we have several games to look forward to on Thursday night. One of the matches involves the current league leaders and defending champions Dundalk as they host Sligo Rovers at Oriel Park.
Dundalk won the league by 10 points last season but are being pushed all the way at the moment by Shamrock Rovers, so cannot afford any slip-ups. Sligo Rovers find themselves in 6th place in the table and still have a chance of finishing in the Europa League places.
The hosts have been in good form and trends show Dundalk have won each of their last four league games. They are unbeaten in their last eleven matches in all competitions, picking up ten wins and one draw, which is an excellent record.
Dundalk have lost only three of their last forty League of Ireland Premier Division games and are the toughest team to beat in Ireland.
They have scored at least one goal in each of their last twenty-seven home league matches and have kept a clean sheet in four of their last six. Dundalk have scored 2 or more goals in five of their last six home games in all competitions including their most recent match which was a 3-1 win over UCD in the League Cup.
Sligo Rovers are in decent form themselves and trends show they are undefeated in each of their last seven Premier League games. There have been wins over UCD and Bohemians away plus Shamrock Rovers at home, the latter of which was a good win.
However, four of their last seven matches have ended in a draw and it’s the draws which have prevented Sligo Rovers from closing in on the top three teams.
Away form shows Sligo Rovers are unbeaten in their last four, picking up two wins and two draws. They have scored 2 or more goals in each of their last three away matches and have kept two clean sheets.
Looking ahead to the team news and Dundalk could be without Jamie McGrath and Robbie Benson who have both been suffering from injury. Pat Hoban should be fit and is expected to start up-front for the hosts.
Sligo Rovers could be without four players for this game. Regan Donelon, John Dunleavy , Dante Leverock and Niall Morahan have all been on the treatment table. Top scorer Romeo Parkes will play in attack.
This should be a great game, with both teams in good form. However, Dundalk have a fantastic home record and should extend it with a win in this match.