Dundalk v Sligo Rovers: Preview

Dundalk FC v Sligo Rovers

League of Ireland Premier Division

Friday, 31 July

Oriel Park

Kick-off: 7.45pm

Dundalk FC welcome Sligo Rovers to Oriel Park on Friday night as the sides meet for the third time in the League of Ireland Premier Division this season.

The first meeting between the clubs in March was decided by a Daryl Horgan penalty in a hard-fought contest at Oriel Park, while Sligo claimed the points in the reverse fixture with a 2-0 victory at The Showgrounds in April.

Manager's Comments

Dundalk manager Ciaran Kilduff is looking for his side to produce a stronger performance against the Bit O'Red this time around.

"We welcome Sligo Rovers to Oriel Park. We feel we haven't performed to our own standards in our previous meetings with them this season, so we're looking to put that right on Friday night.

"There have been a lot of changes around the club in recent weeks, with new players coming in and plenty of moving parts. We're hoping that, after another week on the training pitch together, we can start to reach the level we know we're capable of.

"There were some positive signs in our performance against St Patrick's Athletic, but ultimately we were disappointed not to win the game. Now it's about building on those moments and finding greater consistency.

"With the transfer window now closed, we'd like to wish TJ Molloy all the best as he joins Armagh City on loan. TJ is a player with a bright future ahead of him and we look forward to following his progress.

"At the same time, we've had the opportunity to integrate our new players into the squad. Cian Dillon has had a full week of training, while Tom Givosti and Egor have also come in and settled well. We're beginning to build some rhythm in our play again and hopefully we're in a stronger position than we were a few weeks ago.

"We know exactly what's at stake on Friday night. It's another opportunity to pick up three important points, and we'll do everything we can to make sure they stay at Oriel Park."

Team News

Danny Mullen, Harvey Warren and Norman Garbett continue their recoveries from injury and remain unavailable for selection.

New signing Tom Givosti is included in the squad for the first time and could make his Dundalk FC debut on Friday night.