Preview: Rovers set for final home league game

Sligo Rovers play their final home game of the SSE Airtricity Premier Division season as Cork City visit on Saturday for a 5pm kick-off.

Just eight home league games have been played this year, with five wins and three defeats for the Bit O’ Red, with the record particularly good since the restart with just a one-goal loss to Bohemians the only blemish.

The sides met in August where Rovers started well but went on to lose 3-0, one of just two wins for the Rebels this campaign, and they travel to Sligo knowing a win is essential in their battle for survival.

For Rovers, the league position is very match undecided with two games left. Liam Buckley’s side can finish anywhere from fourth to ninth, meaning these games will define the outcome of the year.

A 1-0 defeat to Shelbourne last week left Rovers back in the bottom half of the table.

In team news, Kyle Callan-McFadden returns from suspension having served a one-game ban against Shels. John Mahon made his return after over eight months out and completed 90 minutes in Dublin. Sigitas Olberkis returned to action last week as well.

Johnny Dunleavy (knee) and Ronan Murray (toe) are definitely out.

Ryan De Vries will have a late fitness test on a knee problem.

Regan Donelon and Danny Kane have trained in recent days.

Liam Buckley said: “We were all extremely disappointed last week. We didn’t do ourselves justice for what we have within the group. We need to be much better, there’s no doubt about that.  We have to prove we can be. This is a time of the season where there is so much on the line. We’re playing to get up any amount of places in the league in the table and anything is still possible.

“It’s not just about the table, it’s also for team spirit, for earning contracts next season and we owe it to our supporters as well. They deserve more than just the season being seen out.

“I expect a tight game for because there is a lot to play for. It’s a massive game in both our seasons. I’ve seen Cork put it up to teams a lot in recent games and we’re aware what type of team is coming up here. They’ll be a tough opposition so we have to be at it.

“We have a few knocks but the team we pick will have quality as well. It’s up to us to go out and do enough to get the victory.”