Prediction: Bala Town vs Sligo Rovers

Verdict: Sligo Rovers win

Best Odds: 7/5

Bookmaker: Unibet

Looking to pick up a first-leg advantage on Thursday night when they turn their attention to Conference League duties, Sligo Rovers will make the trip to Welsh outfit Bala Town.

Bala Town

Starting with the hosts, although Bala might have signed off last season’s campaign with a real flurry, the Lakesiders failed to mount any kind of title charge. Eventually having to settle for another silver medal finish and sat 21 points adrift of runaway champions TNS, Colin Caton’s men will know that they face a tough step up in class on Thursday night. Managing to book their spot in the qualifying rounds of the inaugural Conference League last year, the Whites failed to make any kind of impact. Suffering a 2-0 aggregate defeat at the hands of Northern Irish side Larne, Bala will be hoping to put up a better fight this time around. Although Caton’s side might face a real task here, they should be boosted by an eye-catching record on home soil. Including signing off last season’s domestic run with a remarkable 11-0 win against Penybont on April 23rd, they’re unbeaten in front of their own supporters since the start of December.

Team News

Thursday’s hosts have no fresh injuries or suspensions to worry about ahead of their first-leg meeting.

Sligo Rovers

As for the visitors, while Sligo might remain someway off grabbing another European finish this season, they are in the midst of what has been an impressive purple patch. Last seen picking up some perfect momentum as they cruised their way to a 3-1 victory against Shelbourne last weekend, John Russell’s men are enjoying a six-match unbeaten run. With their recent boost stemming all the way back to May 20th, the Irish outfit will be looking to pick up a first-leg advantage here. Underlining their recent improvements with a 3-0 romp against the Finn Harps last month, the Rovers will now be hoping to find some stability on the road. Although Sligo might have managed to pick up a point in their last three Premier Division outings away from the Showgrounds, Thursday’s guests have remarkably landed just a single win on their travels since way back on March 11th. Nevertheless, still tipped as a standout pick with the bookmakers here, Russell’s side will find the mood in their camp at a high.

Team News

Now bagging four goals in his last three outings, 23-year-old Aidan Keena should spearhead Sligo’s charge here.

Shane Blaney should once again be partnered by New Zealand international Nando Pijnaker.

Key Factors to Consider

• Sligo Rovers are unbeaten in their last six domestic matchups.
• Bala signed off last season’s campaign by enjoying a seven-match unbeaten run on domestic duties.
• Likewise, Thursday’s hosts are unbeaten on home soil since back on December 3rd.
• Sligo have failed to win any of their previous six domestic matchups away from the Showgrounds.
• The Rovers have seen 11 of their last 12 matchups across all formats finish with over 1.5 goals.

Conclusion

Managing to pick up some real momentum last weekend as they cruised their way to a 3-1 victory against Shelbourne, Sligo will be smelling the chance to keep up their recent purple patch here. Turning their attention back to European duties on Thursday night as they look to grab a first-leg advantage, the Irish outfit are rightfully tipped as a standout pick with the bookmakers. While Bala might have managed to sign off their domestic campaign last season with a real flurry, they will face a tough step up in class. With Sligo now enjoying a six-match unbeaten run before heading out to Wales, we’re backing an away victory here in what could be an enjoyable affair.

Verdict: Sligo Rovers win

Best Odds: 7/5

Bookmaker: Unibet