The two sides meet on Virgin Media Two on Friday night
The Leaders of the SSE Airtricity Men's Premier Division travel to Sligo Rovers on Friday night live on Virgin Media Two.
We look at the two sides statistically with Opta ahead of a huge clash in The Showgrounds on Friday.
Overview and League Context
Drogheda United currently lead the SSE Airtricity Men's Premier division in stark contrast to Sligo Rovers who occupy the foot of the table. Drogheda has played 12 matches, winning 5, drawing 5, and losing 2, with 20 points and a goal difference of +7. In contrast, Sligo Rovers has only managed 2 wins, 2 draws, and 8 losses, earning 8 points with a -8 goal difference, placing them near the bottom of the table.
Drogheda United is in strong form (LDDWW), while Sligo has struggled (DLWLL). Drogheda United boasts one of the best defensive records in the league, conceding only 9 goals, compared to Sligo’s 25— the worst in the league.
Recent Results and Form
Sligo’s recent performances have been inconsistent. They suffered heavy defeats, including a 0-3 loss to Drogheda earlier in the season and a 0-3 defeat to Derry City. However, a 4-0 win against Waterford was a highlight. Drogheda, meanwhile, has picked up key wins against Bohemians, Shelbourne, and Derry City, reflecting a well-balanced side capable of both defending and scoring effectively.
Head-to-Head History
Since 2009, Sligo Rovers and Drogheda United have played 41 matches. Sligo holds the advantage with 18 wins to Drogheda's 7, with 16 draws. At home, Sligo has been dominant, winning 12 of 20 matches. However, recent encounters have been more evenly contested except for last year when Drogheda won 7-0 in August and 3-0 in February 2025, showing a recent shift in momentum.
Goals Analysis
Scoring and Conceding Trends:
- Sligo Rovers: 17 goals scored, 25 conceded.
- Main scoring method: Inside the box (16).
- Vulnerable to goals from the right foot (15 conceded).
- Most goals conceded in the first 15 minutes.
- Drogheda United: 16 goals scored, 9 conceded.
- Efficient in front of goal with 12 right-footed goals.
- Most productive in the 31-45 and 61-75-minute periods.
Team and Player Statistics
Sligo Rovers Key Players:
Top Scorer: Owen Elding (5 goals), also leads in shots and chances created.
Playmaker: William Fitzgerald (4 assists, highest number of crosses).
Defensive Standouts: John Mahon (most clearances and interceptions), Reece Hutchinson (highest passes attempted).
Drogheda United Key Players:
Top Scorer: Warren Davis (5 goals, 4 inside the box).
Creative Forces: Darragh Markey (3 goals, 1 assist), Shane Farrell (most fouls won, highest crosses attempted).
Defensive Rock: Conor Keeley (93 clearances, 3 goals).
Tactical Analysis – Last Matches
In Round 12, Sligo Rovers drew 1-1 with Cork City. Despite having more possession and better passing accuracy, Sligo had only three shots on target. They relied on a late goal by Lomboto to salvage a point.
Drogheda, on the other hand, lost 2-1 to Galway United despite leading at half-time. They had more total shots and better duel success but were undone by quick goals after the break.
Managerial Records
Sligo Rovers are managed by John Russell, whose overall record since 2009 stands at 33 wins, 23 draws, and 46 losses (1.20 points per game). Against Drogheda, his record is fairly balanced.
Kevin Doherty of Drogheda has a slightly better head-to-head against Russell, with 4 wins, 4 draws, and 3 losses. His team currently reflects strong tactical discipline and improved form.
Expected Goals (xG) Metrics
Sligo Rovers: xG For – 15.4 (actual goals 17); xG Against – 15.5 (actual conceded 25). This indicates poor defensive execution.
Drogheda United: xG For – 11.8 (actual 16); xG Against – 12.3 (actual 9). Drogheda is outperforming their xG defensively, showing high efficiency.
Disciplinary and Physical Stats
Sligo leads the league in yellow cards (45) and has 3 straight reds. Drogheda is one of the cleanest sides with only 19 yellow cards and no reds. This shows a stark contrast in discipline and control on the pitch.
