Sligo Rovers make the journey East to take on Dundalk at Oriel Park on Friday night in the 8th game of the SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division season.

Rovers are currently in fourth, a place behind tomorrow’s opponents who are in third spot.

Both sides suffered defeat last weekend, John Russell’s side lost 1-0 at home to Bohemians and Stephen O’ Donnell’s Dundalk were beaten 4-0 by Shamrock Rovers, also at home.

John Russell looks ahead to Friday’s game:

”We are all set for a massive game tomorrow night in Dundalk.

”The players have trained really well this week, and everyone is fully focused on bouncing back after last weekend’s defeat against Bohemians”.

This is the first meeting of the teams this season and the last encounter saw the points shared in a six goal thriller last October at the same venue.

Russell is aware of the test that awaits his side:

”I know Dundalk took a heavy defeat in their last game against Shamrock Rovers but the sending off had a big impact on that result.

”We’ve shown good signs so far this season. There is a lot of belief within the group and I feel there is a big performance in us”.

In team news, Rovers are without Garry Buckley, Mark Byrne and Gary Boylan with ACL injuries while Johan Brannefalk and Karl O’ Sullivan remain sidelined with ankle injuries. Goalkeeper Conor Walsh is set for a return from an ankle injury soon also however this game might come too soon for the Westport man. Sean McAteer remains out also.

The game is live on LOI TV from 7.45pm.