Rovers wary of newly-promoted Monaghan
Unbeaten Sligo Rovers travel to Gortakeegan expecting a tricky assignment against newly promoted Monaghan, who have got off to a solid start to life in the top flight.
Monaghan have shown plenty of durability so far with draws against Dundalk and St Patrick’s Athletic split by an impressive, if ultimately unsuccessful, visit to Shamrock Rovers.
Sligo knocked Glentoran out of the Setanta Sports Cup on Tuesday.
Monaghan are without Paul Whelan, Shaun Maher and John Reilly. Aidan Collins, Darragh Reynor and Bobby Ryan are expecting to be fit.
Sligo have a doubt over Jason McGuinness (hamstring) while Alan Keane and Mark Quigley are suspended.
Pascal Millien is not yet available but Iarfhlaith Davoren completed his first 90 minutes of the season in midweek.
Monaghan boss Roddy Collins said: "Last Friday saw us complete excellent back to back performances against two of the top sides in the Premier Division when we drew 1-1 with St Pats at Richmond Park.
"Travelling to Inchicore most fans would have settled for a share of the points and although they game could have gone either way I believe we were unlucky in the end not to have collected all three points."
Sligo boss Ian Baraclough has said: "Monaghan have impressed so far. They gave Shamrock Rovers a scare and held St Patrick’s Athletic to a draw last week which was a fantastic result.
"We’ve made a good start and we want to continue that. We’ve shown good spirit in all of our games and we’ll certainly have to do that in Monaghan if we want to get a result."
