Preview – Sligo Rovers vs Derry City

Sligo Rovers vs Derry City – Saturday 24th February 2024 – KO 7.45pm – Brandywell

SSE Airtricity Premier Division

The Candystripes will be looking to build on last weekend’s opening night win at home to Drogheda when they head to the Showgrounds this Saturday evening to take on Sligo Rovers (KO 7.45)

Ruaidhri Higgins’ side found the Bit o’ Red a tough nut to crack in 2023 and were on the wrong end of 1-0 defeats on both trips through Barnesmore Gap.

It’s a stat the Derry boss didn’t need reminding about and at his midweek press conference ahead of the game he said his side was preparing for another tough encounter.

“It’s something we’ve talked about and definitely something we need to improve on” he said.

“Sligo have made some brilliant signings ahead of the new season; bringing in Connor Malley, Ellis Chapman, Simon Power and the returning Max Mata and Ed McGinty.

“They always seem to find an extra yard when we come to town and we’ll have to roll our sleeves up if we want to get three points.

“We have to back ourselves when we need to be strong and if it’s going to be a good game of football, we can do that too.

“I’d expect that we’ll take a good crowd down with us and it’s important that they see total commitment from us.

“I’m going to get tired saying this but we’re in an ultra-competitive league and every squad is more than capable.

In terms of team news, the Limavady man acknowledged that the match was still three days away and plans were still to be finalised.

‘Patrick McEleney and Mark Connolly have both been working with our physio this week but we’ll train again on Thursday and Friday before making any calls.

“Sadou Diallo remains sidelined but we have the quality in the squad to deal with these things when we need to.”

“Against Drogheda last week I thought we played some really good football, but we were also strong when we had to be.

“If we have to show both sides of ourselves to win again, so be it.”

Saturday’s game will be streamed live on LOITV.

LOITV

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Coverage

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As usual, both Drive105 and Radio Foyle will be providing live commentary coverage of the game.