League of Ireland Premier Division action returns to the Showgrounds this Saturday evening as Sligo Rovers take on Bohemians in what is our senior men’s side’s first home league game this year.
Saturday’s game is sponsored by the Snug Bar in Queen Maeve’s Square.
16-weeks have elapsed since our last home game, a draw with Cork City in which Alex Nolan scored the visitors’ only goal of the game. Now with Rovers, Nolan is one several new faces looking to make their Showgrounds bow this weekend.
Rovers go into this game with Bohs on the back of a late defeat to Derry City on the opening night at the Brandywell last week. It was a disappointing but hugely encouraging start for the Bit O’Red who went toe-to-toe and indeed bettered the Candystripes for large parts of the game.
Rovers boss John Russell is hopeful that Mai Traore will be available for his debut on Saturday. The Guinean striker missed the trip to Derry due to an administration issue, with the club working to resolve this as quickly as possible.
As of Friday morning, midfielder Carl McHugh faces a late fitness test. While defender Conor Reynolds looks set to miss out with a knock.
Goalkeeper Liam Hughes returns having recovered from a shoulder injury.
Opponents Bohs began their 2026 story with a somewhat underwhelming scoreless draw with St Pat’s at the Aviva Stadium last Sunday afternoon. The marquee opening weekend fixture failed to live up to expectations, but Alan Reynolds’ men did create the better of the chances in this one.
“They were probably the unluckier side in that one”, Russell says.
“The Pat’s keeper pulled off a few really good stops and you feel that had even one of those chances gone in, it may have been enough to win the game.
“Bohs again have a deep squad, full of talent and they can mix up the way they play. They’ll be coming up here on Saturday looking for a win. We’re really looking forward to getting going at the Showgrounds.”
Russell was greatly encouraged by last week’s performance and has called on his players to keep momentum going for the opening match in Sligo.
“We were annoyed not to come away with at least a point from Derry. But analysing it, we have plenty to be enthused by. We were the better team in the first half.
“Second half, we had to switch things around and lost a few players with injury and cramp. We were well organised until they scored their first and couldn’t hold out. But there were some really encouraging signs and some very notable individual performances, especially from our new players.
“We’re only 90 minutes into the season so it will take a little time to further build connections. It’s the same for everyone, regardless.
“We’re in a good place and in an excellent frame of mind going into Saturday. The players are raring now and we’re looking to bring that energy, particularly from the first hour of last week’s game into this one.”
Kick-off at the Showgrounds is 7.45pm.
David Goulden