While Jim McLaughlin's side have started moving in the right direction over the past couple of weeks Sligo travel across the country looking for their first victory in nine matches and manager, Nicky Reid, knows that Oriel Park won't be the easiest place in the world to get it.

"It's going to be difficult to go there and get some sort of run going but we have to turn things around somewhere and in a lot of our away games we haven't been a million miles short of what is required to start winning matches," he says.

The Englishman might have been sick of seeing his side draw until last weekend, they recorded four in a row, but the defeat by Shamrock Rovers will have increased the sense of urgency at the club where a couple of wins are needed to halt the slide towards the relegation area.

South African striker Falcon Rose is almost certain to miss the game with a hamstring problem but Marcus Hallows will be fit to take his place up front after a cartilage operation. If Ian Lynch misses out, he may undergo a late fitness test on a bruised knee, Ian Hutchinson will drop back to cover at full back. Reid himself will wait another week or so before making his return.

Dundalk have problems of their own with Raymond Campbell and Peter Withnell both highly doubtful and Shane Reddish definitely out. If neither of the former two makes it then David Ward may start up front with David Hoey remaining at full back and Tom McNulty retaining his place in the middle of the field.

Last two seasons: 1996/97: Dundalk 2 Sligo 1, Sligo 2 Dundalk 1, Dundalk 1 Sligo 1; 97/98: Sligo 3 Dundalk 3.

Recent league form: Dundalk: LLLWW; Sligo: DDDDL.

Leading scorers: Dundalk: Melvin (five), Byrne (four); Sligo: Jones, Thew, Rose and Moran (four apiece).

Betting: Home: 4/6, Draw: 2/1, Away: 11/2.

Referee: E Barr (Dublin).

Betting courtesy of Paddy Power