Sligo Rovers travel to Dublin this Friday night to take on Bohemians for the third league meeting of the two sides this season, kick-off at Dalymount Park is 7.45pm.  

Rovers will be without full back John Ross Wilson who serves the first of a three match ban, following his dismissal against Derry City last week. While centre halves John Mahon and Conor Reynolds remain unavailable through injury. 

Winger Simon Power returns to the match day squad having missed that win over Derry due to illness. 

As above, the teams have met twice already this term. 

Goals from Reece Hutchinson and Fabrice Hartmann earned the Bit O’Red a draw in Phibsboro on the opening night of the season. While the Gypsies beat Rovers at the Showgrounds in May. 

Speaking ahead of the tie, Sligo boss John Russell says he wants to build on recent wins over Shamrock Rovers and Derry City, but knows Alan Reynolds’ side will have different plans.

“We picked up two brilliant and well deserved wins over one team defending their title and one team chasing it”, he said.

“We want to keep building on recent performances. We have shown that we can play with the teams at the top of the table and now it’s down to us to show we have the will and ability to go toe-to-toe with a team who are below us. Dalymount is a really tough place to go for anyone in this league, as their supporters always get right behind them and we need to manage that. They have a very deep squad which gives them the ability to change the game at any moment from the bench.

“They’ve let go of a few players but have also brought in a number of new faces so we are going into the unknown somewhat. 

“We must plan without JR, but we knew about that straight after the Derry game and have worked well on our shape and formation all week. We are going to try and continue the momentum from the wins over Shams and Derry and bring it to Dublin.” 

David Goulden