LOI preview: Sligo welcome Bohemians to The Showgrounds

Sligo Rovers v Bohemians, The Showgrounds, 7.45pm

Exactly three months on from when the sides met on the final day of the last season, respective managers Liam Buckley and Keith Long again lock horns.

As has been the way for most clubs over the close-season, there has been much change in personnel. Sligo have lost the steadying influence of John Mahon at the back, with the player moving to St Johnstone. Johnny Kenny was one of the young guns to shine in the last campaign and the attacker caught the attention of more than a few clubs. In the end, the Riverstown native also headed to Scotland, with Celtic paying an initial €150k for his services.

Paddy Kirk (Longford Town), Aidan Keena (Falkirk), Karl O'Sullivan (Finn Harps), Will Fitzgerald (Derry City), Nando Pijnaker (on loan from Rio Ave), Jordan Hamilton (Indy Eleven) and Max Mata (Real Monarchs) are the new arrivals for the Bit 'O Red.

Ross Tierney, Keith Buckley, Andy Lyons, and Anto Breslin's departures have weakened Bohs' squad, while Georgie Kelly’s goals will leave a big void.

Dawson Devoy remaining at Dalymount, for the time being at least, should offer a bit of hope, while Jordan Flores and Junior Ogedi-Uzokwe will bring vital league experience and should help add goals to the side.

Team news

Sligo Rovers: The hostswill have a full squad to choose from with no absentees.

Bohemians: Keith Long's side also report a clean bill of health for the trip to the Showgrounds.

What they said

Liam Buckley (Sligo Rovers manager): "It is great to get to the point where the season is about to begin. Pre-season has involved a lot of hard work and commitment from the players. "It's a period of trying to be as best prepared as you can for the first game and the next nine months that come