Drogheda United return to Weavers Park this Friday aiming to bounce back from a narrow loss to Shamrock Rovers, as they host struggling Sligo Rovers in a crucial League of Ireland Premier Division clash. The visitors are fighting to avoid slipping into the relegation zone, while the home side look to keep pace in the top three.
Match Overview
Drogheda United currently sit third in the table with 31 points from 21 games—an impressive leap from last season’s ninth-place finish. Kevin Doherty’s men had been unbeaten in seven games before their recent 2-1 loss to title-chasing Shamrock Rovers.
The Claret and Blues have turned Weavers Park into a difficult ground for opponents, collecting 16 points from 10 home matches and putting up several memorable performances, including a 7-0 thrashing of Sligo last year. Their last meeting ended in a thrilling 2-2 draw, and another tight contest is expected.
Sligo Rovers, meanwhile, remain in a precarious position, occupying ninth with just 15 points from 19 matches. Despite their recent 1-0 win over Waterford, John Russell’s men have lost five of their last seven league outings, struggling for consistency throughout the campaign.
Team News
Drogheda are expected to stick with their attacking pair of Thomas Oluwa and Douglas James-Taylor. Oluwa, with five goals this season, will look to stretch Sligo’s defence, while James-Taylor continues to search for form in front of goal.
Midfield dynamo Luke Heeney should return to anchor the midfield trio alongside Darragh Markey and Warren Farrell, providing the energy and link-up play Drogheda thrive on.
For Sligo, Oliver Denham remains a doubt with a muscle strain, but they will rely heavily on top scorer Owen Elding, who has netted seven times this season. Wilson Waweru is expected to start alongside him up front, hoping to add to his solitary goal in 2025.
Tactical Review
Drogheda’s structure under Doherty has remained disciplined, with overlapping fullbacks and a hardworking midfield core. At home, they tend to press higher and generate chances from wide areas.
Sligo, on the other hand, are trying to stabilise defensively after recent lapses. Their 4-4-2 shape can become exposed in transition, so expect them to sit deeper and try to hit Drogheda on the break through Elding’s pace and Fitzgerald’s creativity.
How to Watch
This League of Ireland Premier Division encounter will be available for streaming on LOITV, with kickoff set for 7:45 PM local time (8:45 PM WAT).
Predictions
Softfootball Prediction: Drogheda United 2-1 Sligo Rovers
While Sligo have shown signs of improvement, Drogheda’s home form and stronger all-around squad should see them edge a tight encounter. Expect both sides to score, but the hosts to take the points.