Sligo Rovers are back at The Showgrounds and hoping to make it three wins on the spin on Churchill Road when Shelbourne come to visit on Saturday night (7.45pm)
Shelbourne have got the better of Rovers on both occasions so far this season with 1-0 and 2-1 wins respectively in April and May.
Rovers are in good form and unbeaten in four matches since Russell has taken over (Interim versus Derry City and UCD).
Shelbourne come into the game having drawn with Dundalk at Tolka Park last Friday night and Rovers had a scoreless game themselves away to Drogheda United at the same time.
Manager Russell expects another tough encounter:
‘’There was a lot of positives to take from our match against Drogheda last week. I felt we controlled the game for large parts and we were defensively very secure. We know there are areas where we can improve and this week has allowed us to work more on our principles of play.
Tomorrow night, we welcome Shelbourne to The Showgrounds who have beaten us twice this year. I know our players are relishing the challenge ahead.
It’s another home game for us in front of our fans so we’re hoping for a big performance’’.
In team news, Rovers should have a fully fit squad to choose from as Nando Pijnaker and Greg Bolger have recovered from illness and Garry Buckley should return from a muscle injury. Frank Liivak has joined the club this week and will await international clearance before knowing if he can participate.
The club wish to announce that ticket sales for our home European tie with Bala Town will be on sale inside the ground as well as Annual Draw tickets for our upcoming 2022 draw.
Gates open from 6.30pm.
The club also wish to thank supporters for their assistance at our last home fixture where no pyro was used and no flares let off which we appealed for help with. Thankfully, this is the first time the club were not issued with any fines resulting from the use of flares at The Showgrounds this season.
The game is also live on LOI TV with Jessica Farry and Alan Keane on commentary.
Ocean FM will also have live commentary on the night.