The Showgrounds plays stage to the first Connacht derby of the year on Saturday as Sligo Rovers face Galway United in a much anticipated meeting of the provincial neighbours, kick-off 7.45pm. 

The Bit O’Red are on the search for a first win in five, while the high-flying Tribesmen will arrive in Sligo looking to potentially move to the top of the table depending on results in Friday night’s fixtures. 

Rovers are unbeaten in the Premier Division against United since 2017, while the 2023 First Division winners haven’t picked up a league win in Sligo in almost three decades. Rovers had the better of the battles between the clubs last season, picking up six points from the four games between them. 

There is mixed news for Rovers boss John Russell on the team news front. 

Both Jake Doyle-Hayes and Cian Kavanagh miss this one as they serve the final of three and two game suspensions respectively. 

While Ollie Denham and Harvey Lintott will miss this game because of injuries picked up last week at Dalymount Park. Wilson Waweru is also unavailable. 

There is good news for Russell who will face his old club, with both influential midfielder Jad Hakiki and skipper John Mahon available again following one game suspensions. 

Stephen Mallon also returns following a number of weeks out injured. 

Speaking ahead of Saturday’s game, Russell says: “This is of course a massive game for us. We want to start turning some very good recent performances into results as quickly as we can.  

“I’ve been very impressed with the character of this group of players. They have never let their heads drop or standards slip over the last few weeks. 

“The hunger and fight is there. We see it in every game and every day in training from each and every player. We need to bring that into the game against Galway.

“It’s hard to think of anything better than a really competitive Connacht derby in front of a big Showgrounds crowd. We can’t wait for it. 

“It’s great that you hear so much about the numerous Dublin derbies. It’s great to see the league getting the exposure it deserves. But our derby here in the west is just as big an occasion. 

“I loved being involved in these games as a player and even more now as a manager. It’s always competitive, noisy and full of drama. So we’re encouraging as many people as possible to get along and witness what should be a great game and really get behind our boys.”

The absence of Kavanagh will again offer the likes of Francely Lomboto and Owen Elding the opportunity to take the number nine position at the tip of the Rovers attack. 

Elding has been one of Sligo’s standouts this season so far with three goals to the teenager’s name and the Riverstown native is full of optimism ahead of Saturday. 

“It was disappointing the way the season started in terms of results”, the 19-year-old reflects. 

“However, we know we are putting in good performances and we know we have too good of a squad to be in the position we’re in. This weekend is the perfect opportunity to kick-start our year and get a result in what will hopefully be a packed out Showgrounds.”

Previewing the visitors, Owen is full of respect for the Maroon army but is fully focused on turning Rovers’ fortunes around, beginning Saturday. 

“Galway are a very direct team but they’re very effective and are very good at playing to their strengths”, he continues. 

“That’s why they are where they are in the table. But we’ve analysed them well and we know where we can hurt them and it’s up to us now to go out and do that. 

“You want to win every game you play in but it’s not easy. There is a rivalry there with Galway of course and that’s not lost on any of the players be it the ones who have come through the academy, the lads who are here a few years or the recent signings. You’re reminded every day how important this game is for everyone at the club and all our fans. 

“Everyone wants to win this one and I’m sure Galway feel the same. It’s a special game, any time we face them but the fact we’re at home, the onus is on us to play on the front foot, dictate things and hopefully pick up a result that can get us going again.”

David Goulden