Prediction: Sligo Rovers vs Shelbourne

Verdict: Both teams to score – No

Best Odds: 8/11

Bookmaker: Unibet

In an Irish Premier Division showdown that could see chances come at a premium on Saturday night, Shelbourne will make the trip to Sligo Rovers.

Sligo Rovers

Starting with the hosts, after being left disappointed to have only collected a single point on their travels last weekend, Sligo will be hoping for an immediate response here. However, while the Rovers might have been last seen playing out a 0-0 stalemate against Drogheda on the road, John Russell’s men are in the midst of an extended unbeaten run. Looking to mount what would be a shock charge for that final European spot this season, fans around the Showgrounds find their side enjoying a five-match purple patch. With their recent improvements highlighted by a 3-0 romp against the Finn Harps on June 18th, Saturday’s hosts have also gained somewhat of a reputation for their success on home soil. On a run that has seen them snatch points off of runaway leaders Shamrock Rovers, it should be noted that Sligo are unbeaten in front of their own supporters since April 5th.

Team News

Bagging four goals in just his last seven Premier Division matchups, 23-year-old Aidan Keena should lead Sligo’s charge on Saturday night.

Keeping back-to-back clean sheets Shane Blaney should once again be partnered by Lewis Banks at the heart of Russell’s defence.

Shelbourne

As for the visitors, while Shelbourne might have impressed many across Ireland last month prior to June’s international break, they have struggled to keep up that momentum. However, while the top-flight returners might have managed to salvage just a single point from their last three Premier Division contests, they should be boosted by a rugged display last time out. Holding onto a 0-0 stalemate against title outsiders Dundalk on home soil, Head Coach Damien Duff will be hoping for his side to build off of those positives. However, facing what could be a tough test when they travel to the Showgrounds on Saturday night, the ex-Chelsea star will have a headache over his side’s recent issues in the final third. Along with back-to-back defeats against Shamrock and Bohemians on either side of the break, it should be noted that Shelbourne have failed to find the net in their last three top-flight outings.

Team News

In what will be a huge miss for Shelbourne on Saturday night, they will be without leading marksman Sean Boyd who will serve a suspension here.

While Danny Carr could potentially come in and fill that void up top, Duff isn’t expected to make many changes this weekend.

Key Factors to Consider

• When the two sides last faced off back on May 6th, Shelbourne picked up a 2-1 victory on home soil.
• Likewise, Saturday’s guests have won each of their last three meetings against Sligo.
• However, Shelbourne have managed to pick up just a single point from their last three Premier Division matchups.
• Sligo Rovers are unbeaten in their last five Premier Division contests.
• Likewise, Duff’s men are unbeaten in front of their own supporters since back on April 5th.

Conclusion

With both sides having to settle for their own 0-0 stalemates last weekend, don’t be surprised to see what could be another cagey affair on Saturday night. While it might be Shelbourne who holds a rather shock three-match winning record against Duff’s side, Sligo have gained a reputation for their recent rugged displays on home soil. Unbeaten at the Showgrounds since the start of April, chances could come at a real premium here. Likewise, with Saturday’s guests drawing a blank in each of their last three Premier Division outings on the spin, it should be noted that just two of the last seven meetings between Sligo and Shelbourne have finished with both teams finding the net.

Verdict: Both teams to score – No

Best Odds: 8/11

Bookmaker: Unibet