Sligo Rovers will play host to Motherwell in the second leg of their Europa Conference League second round qualifying tie on Thursday, with the Irish side having caused a major upset by winning 1-0 in Scotland last week.
John Russell’s side put pressure on their opponents last week which eventually payed after Aidan Keena intercepted Bevis Mugabi’s poor-weighted headed back-pass before skillfully lobbing the onrushing Liam Kelly from just outside the penalty area.
The situation could have turned far worse for the hosts had substitute Max Mata displayed similar levels of composure in front of goal when presented with two excellent opportunities after the break, with the Irish outfit ultimately comfortably holding onto their lead.
Sligo Rovers have not competed beyond the qualifying rounds of European competition since the 1996 Intertoto Cup, and Thursday presents a wonderful opportunity to move one step closer towards ending that barren run.
Graham Alexander has presided over Motherwell since January 2021, and would not have been pleased with his side’s performance in the first leg against Sligo, while respecting the opposition’s efforts on the day.
Suffering a defeat at home to the third-best team in Ireland should not happen to a side that just finished fifth in the Scottish Premier League last season.
In the Europa League qualifying campaign last season, Glentoran and Coleraine were both dispatched before Motherwell fell at the final hurdle to Israel side Hapoel Be’er Sheva.
The Former Scotland international will be demanding a monumental effort from his players at The Showgrounds on Thursday night so as to avoid an embarrasing exit which could have wider consequences in terms of his own job security and the club’s financial resources.
Following Thursday’s continental participation in the Europa Conference League, Motherwell are set to play an away match at St. Mirren on July 31.
Sligo Rovers vs Motherwell head to head
The two teams have previously met on just one occasion in the first leg of their Europa Conference League second round qualifying tie, where Sligo Rovers claimed a 1-0 away victory.
Motherwell 0-1 Sligo Rovers 21/07/22
Sligo Rovers latest home form
Sligo Rovers lost 2-0 to University College Dublin in their last home game in the league. However, they have recently been on a good run of form at home, having been unbeaten in their previous eight matches. In their last five matches, they have scored eight goals and conceded five.
Sligo Rovers 2-1 Derry City 23/05/22
Sligo Rovers 3-0 Finn Harps 18/06/22
Sligo Rovers 3-1 Shelbourne 02/07/22
Sligo Rovers (P)0-1 Bala Town 14/07/22
Sligo Rovers 0-2 UCD 17/07/22
Sligo Rovers latest away form
Sligo Rovers have recently been on a good run of form on the road, having been unbeaten in their four most recent matches. They defeated Motherwell 1-0 in their last away game in their Europa Conference League. In their last five matches, they have scored five goals and conceded four.
Bohemians 2-1 Sligo Rovers 20/05/22
UCD 1-1 Sligo Rovers 27/05/22
Drogheda United 0-0 Sligo Rovers 24/06/22
Bala Town 1-2 Sligo Rovers 07/07/22
Motherwell 0-1 Sligo Rovers 21/07/22
Motherwell latest home form
Motherwell have recently failed to keep a good run of form at home, having won just two of their eight most recent matches. They lost 1-0 to Sligo Rovers in their last home game in the Europa Conference League. In their last five matches, they have scored eight goals and conceded nine.
Motherwell 1-2 Hibernian 13/03/22
Motherwell 4-2 St. Mirren 02/04/22
Motherwell 1-3 Rangers 23/04/22
Motherwell 2-1 Hearts 11/05/22
Motherwell 0-1 Sligo Rovers 21/07/22
Motherwell latest away form
Motherwell have recently failed to keep a good run of form on the road, having won just two of their six most recent matches. They defeated Vorwarts Steyr 5-1 in their last away game in a friendly. In their last five matches, they have scored eight goals and conceded 10.
Livingston 2-2 Motherwell 09/04/22
Dundee United 1-0 Motherwell 30/04/22
Ross County 0-1 Motherwell 07/05/22
Celtic 6-0 Motherwell 14/05/22
Vorwarts Steyr 1-5 Motherwell 08/07/22
Sligo Rovers news
Sligo Rovers boss John Russel is unlikely to make any changes to the starting XI that performed impressively in gaining advantage in last week’s first leg.
All he can ask for is greater composure from his forward in front of goal, with them likely to be roared on by a vibrant home atmosphere.
Motherwell news
Motherwell head coach Alexander may make some changes in an attempt to freshen things up, while Barry Maguire and David Devine may both be ruled out through injury.
Ross Tierney and Joe Efford both feartured off the bench in last week’s defeat and could start after a slightly improved second-half performance.
Prediction and Odds
Sligo’s direct technique caused major problems for their opposition and we expect that to increase with home advantage on their sides.
Motherwell had shown some alarming signs in last week’s defeat and we are not sure they will manage to turn the tide quickly enough, with a draw the possible oucome.
Odds: 1 2.23 X 2.00 2 2.20
Probable outcomes
Sligo Rovers 0-0 Motherwell
Sligo Rovers 1-1 Motherwell
Sligo Rovers 2-2 Motherwell
Sligo Rovers 1-0 Motherwell
Sligo Rovers 1-2 Motherwell
