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St Patrick's Athletic v Sligo Rovers, Richmond Park, 7.45

Could there be a worse time for Sligo Rovers to travel to Richmond Park? The flight of Jim McInally and Billy Findlay have cut into the regular team set-up, new manager Tommy Cassidy currently has a host of injury problems, and St Patrick's Athletic are still bubbling from last Friday's victory over leaders Cork City.

Rovers are certain to be without Paul Bonnar, was who carried off with a shin injury against Drogheda United last week. Dale Gray (hamstring) and both Glen Shannon and Ian Rossiter (thigh injuries) are also recent casualties.

Cassidy admits that the current lack of availability of fit first-choice players is causing serious trouble. "We have the numbers, but most of them lack so much experience that it's quite frightening," he says.

In contrast, Liam Buckley will have all the players from last week's crucial victory available, including goalscorers Trevor Molloy and Alan McNevin. Barry Prenderville is also fit to return. Buckley insists, however, that he is taking nothing for granted about the outcome of this encounter.

"We are playing well, and last week was a big improvement from some of our earlier games," he says. "But Sligo have already turned over Cork City this season and we'll have to fully apply ourselves here if we want to keep this winning streak."

With only four points now separating the top five teams, a win here would put St Patrick's within a point of the summit before Cork and Shelbourne play on Sunday.

Last two seasons: 1998/99: St Patrick's 4 Rovers 1, Rovers 1 St Patrick's 4, St Patrick's 4 Rovers 0; 99/00: Rovers 0 St Patrick's 1.

Recent League Form: St Patrick's: WWDDW; Rovers: LDLWD.

Leading Scorers: St Patrick's: Hallows (four); Rovers: Moran (eight).

Betting: Home: 4/9; Draw: 5/2; Away 13/2.

Referee: G Perry (Dublin).

Betting courtesy of Paddy Power