Sligo Rovers vs Shamrock Rovers Predictions, Betting Tips and Match Previews

Seven points separate Sligo and Shamrock Rovers in the Irish premier Division table, with Saturday’s hosts occupying eighth place and their guests sitting in sixth. Neither side will be pleased with how their season has developed so far, but at least they can take solace in the fact that there are still plenty of games left to turn their seasons around.

When the two sides locked horns back in March for their reverse league fixture a single goal proved enough to decide the destination of all three points. A tight and tense first half ended goalless and produced little in the way of goalmouth action, though visitors Sligo created the better of the chances. The deadlock was broken on the hour mark by Shamrock Rovers striker Carr, with the hosts second shot on target. Sligo pushed forward in search of an equaliser and despite creating enough chances to score a goal, the visitors slipped to a disappointing and frustrating defeat.

There isn’t much between the two sides according to the form guide, with neither side able to claim they are playing well heading into Saturday’s game. Sligo are the form favourites, but only just, with the hosts winning two, drawing one and losing three of their last six matches. Shamrock have only managed one win from their last six matches, drawing three times and losing the other two. With both sides struggling for consistency and lacking in confidence we’re expecting a close and edgy game with few goals being scored. The last four meetings between Sligo and Shamrock have produced under 2.5 goals which just adds weight to our prediction of a low scoring game this weekend. Four of Sligo’s last six matches have witnessed under 2.5 goals scored, while five of Shamrock’s last six have also ended with fewer than three goals scored. With Shamrock drawing three of their last six games and being above Sligo in the table, there is a high chance of another stalemate when the pair clash on Saturday.

Sligo have struggled for goals this season with their top scorer Morgan netting just four times in the Irish Premier Division so far. Former Aston Villa trainee Burke is already into double figures in league goals for Shamrock Rovers this season, which is double his total tally from the previous campaign.

We’re confident that this game is going to feature under 2.5 goals as both sides have been involved in a high number of games that have produced fewer than three goals in recent weeks. With the last four meetings ending with under 2.5 goals and both teams struggling for form we’re backing this game to end in a goalless draw.

Sligo Predicted Lineup: Beeney, Callan-McFadden, Waters, Boylan, Mahon, McCabe, McAleer, Wixted, Keaney, Morgan, Moorhouse.
Shamrock Rovers Predicted Lineup: Chencinski, Kavanagh, Lopes, Gilchrist, Grace, Finn, Bolger, Boyle, Bolger, Shaw, Burke.