Preview: Rovers v Harps on Saturday evening

Sligo Rovers host neighbours Finn Harps on Saturday evening in The Showgrounds as the sides occupying fourth and second place in the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division meet.

The game is a 6pm kick-off and live on WATCHLOI.

It has been an unbeaten start for both clubs. Rovers have had two draws at home, against Dundalk and Shamrock Rovers, as well as wins in Longford and Waterford.

The sides met in two games last season. Harps edged out a 1-0 victory in Ballybofey, while the return fixture in September saw a 3-1 win for Rovers.

In team news, Danny Kane will miss out due to injury. Shane Blaney is doubtful and will be checked pre-game.

Manager Liam Buckley said: “It was a good performance last week and a good result in the context we were playing the league champions. That said, I do feel we can improve in some areas. We would like to get more chances and you will get more as you move up the levels of performance. That’s what we’re seeking. Offensively there is more in us. This is an important game for us and it’s a difficult one as well.

“If you don’t bring an intensity to each game and match the opposition in that, you’re going to be in a spot of bother in this league. Every game will bring that challenge. This is going to be a difficult match for us. I’m not surprised by how Finn Harps have started and I don’t think many are surprised either. They’ve got top players in their squad.

“Kosovar Sadiki was brought over from Scotland, Dave Webster’s gone there from Pat’s, Barry McNamee from Derry, Shane McEleney from Larne and Will Seymore from ourselves. They’re all very good players to name just a few so it’s not a surprise that they’ve pushed on and been unbeaten so far.

“While we were relatively happy with what we showed last week, there is more in us and we’re trying to improve with each game. We’ve made a reasonable start to the season and we want to build on it and get more wins if we can.”