Derry City manager Ruaidhri Higgins
The Bit O’ Red are buoyed by three points last week so an exciting clash is in store.
The last meeting of these sides was something of a turning point.
City were poor in the first half and needed a late penalty to claim a point when they were expected to come away with the win.
The result also has stoked something of an upturn for Sligo with three wins from their last five matches.
The Candystripes know any dropped points could allow Shels to move more than three clear at the top and on form alone they have a more difficult challenge this evening.
Manager Ruaidhri Higgins said: “We’ve got real momentum at the minute and we’re playing well. What’s happened in the last three or four games there is irrelevant to be honest.
“We’ve won four games on the bounce at present and our only focus is trying to make it five.
“Obviously it will be far from easy. Sligo have put in some big performances of late.”
For the Bit O’ Red, a few more positive results could secure their safety and it isn’t beyond the realms of possibilty they could challenge for the European places.
Perhaps it isn’t a coincidence that the end of a long run of injuries has helped these sides come into the game with more points on the board and confidence behind them.
Sadou Diallo and Cameron Dummigan have made good contributions since they returns for City.
Patrick Hoban got on the scoresheet again in the five-goal rout of Drogheda, so they are primed.
Colm Whelan, who came on as a late substitute in that game having played little football in the last wo years, is expected to be on the bench again while new signing Jacob Davenport could also be included.
A former Candystripe could make his first appearance for Sligo with Stephen Mallon eligible for the first time.
He could come in for departed loanee Fabrice Hartmann having trained with his new club for the last few weeks.
John Mahon and Conor Reynolds remain sidelined for the home side with respective achilles and leg knocks.
Rovers are further boosted by the signature on a permanent basis of defender Ollie Denham.
Goalkeeper Ed McGinty has committed himself to Sligo until the end of the season after his loan deal from Oxford was extended.
Bit O’ Red boss John Russell said: “It’s going to be another tough game against a team chasing league silverware.
“Derry have threats from all sides and we have seen that in recent weeks and in the games we’ve played them in this year.
“There’s a real feeling of positivity around the club at the moment and we’re looking to draw from that this Thursday.”
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