Preview: Sligo Rovers v Shelbourne
Sligo Rovers begin life without Sean Connor as they bid to halt a run of three straight league losses. It won't be easy though with Shelbourne visiting the Showgrounds.
On the pitch, Shels still lead the eircom League title race by three points from Derry City. Beyond that and how many games they have yet to play remains for committees and officialdom to decide.
While Connor walked out on Sligo late last week, there have been suggestions that Pat Fenlon may also be edging closer to the exit at Shels with suggestions that financial worries have become a problem again at Tolka Park.
Liam Burns misses out for Rovers as he completes a two game ban but Gavin Peers is in line to return after missing the loss to UCD through a ban. Brian Cash, Sean Flannery, Matthew Judge and Chris Turner remain out for the rest of the year. Goalkeeper John O'Hara could also again miss out injured.
Owen Heary is nearing full fitness for Shels but may be held back for the trip to Cork on Friday night. Joseph Ndo is in line to play after shaking off the effects of an ankle problem suffered late against Drogheda on Friday. Jason Byrne will most likely return to the starting eleven after being left on the bench for the first hour on Friday.
League form for Sligo Rovers : LLLDW
League form for Shelbourne : DLWDW
Previous meeting(s) : Shelbourne 3-0 Sligo Rovers (28/07/2006)
Sligo Rovers 1-1 Shelbourne (29/04/2006)
Shelbourne 2-2 Sligo Rovers (21/08/2003)
Sligo Rovers 0-0 Shelbourne (17/08/2003)
IrishFootballOnline.com Prediction: Away win.