League Preview: Bohemians -v- Limerick

BOHEMIANS

Bohemians will look to put more distance between themselves and that dreaded relegation play-off place currently occupied by Limerick when the sides meet at Dalymount Park (kick-off 7.45pm).

Keith Long’s side are finding it hard to pull themselves away from the relegation-threatened teams and the play-off place that opponents Limerick currently occupy.

Their form has been patchy and they have struggled to string together a decent run of form all season, resulting in their current precarious position towards the bottom half of the table.

In their last two games at home, the Gypsies recorded a 6-0 victory against Bray Wanderers and a 3-0 defeat to Sligo Rovers which makes their inconsistencies clear for everyone to see.

Bohs are currently seventh, just four points clear of Limerick in ninth. A win would see the gap stretched to a healthy-looking seven points but a loss would leave them nervously looking over their shoulders.

A team managed by Keith Long will guarantee to give you hard work, hunger and will work for every ball and he has promised that every minute of Friday evening’s fixture will be just like that.

"There has been nothing between the sides this season with the three previous games finishing in draws.” said Long ahead of the game

“There is very little between the teams in terms of league standings as well so this game could prove very important in the context of our season.

"Limerick have, along with Bray Wanderers, been in the news for the wrong reasons so you have to admire the way Tommy and his players have focused on football and have picked up some impressive results since we last met.”

Ryan Masterson, who signed for Bohs during the week, comes straight into the squad with captain Derek Pender also back in contention after serving a two match ban.

Long–term absentee Ryan Swan remains sidelined with a cruciate injury.

LIMERICK

Limerick come into this game off the back of a huge win over Waterford at the Markets Field last Friday night.

They currently sit in ninth position and are just four points behind Bohemians before tonight’s game.

A win would see them narrow that gap to just one point as they look to pull themselves out of the dreaded playoff spot that they currently occupy.

There has been nothing to separate the sides so far this season with three draws in their three fixtures to date this season and manager Tommy Barrett epects a tough game as they look to put a stop to a four game winless run on the road.

“It will be difficult for us, it’s the same every week, but particularly with Eoin Wearen and Kilian Cantwell missing through suspension,” Barrett told LimerickFC.ie

“It’s a big incentive for us to close the gap on them to one point, and hopefully we will pass out Sligo too if we can.”

Killian Cantwell and Eoin Wearen are suspended for tonight’s meeting, while Shane Tracy and Darren Dennehy are out injured.

Referee: Derek Tomney

MATCH FACTS

These teams have met on three occasions so far this season with each fixture ending in a draw. They played out a scoreless draw in Dalymount Park with late goals for Bohs resulting in two 1-1 draws in Limerick

Limerick are unbeaten against the Gypsies in their last five meetings with this run stretching back to a 1-0 loss they suffered at home in March 2017.

BETTING

Bohemians 1/2; Draw 3/1; Limerick 5/1

PREDICTION

Bohs 2-1 Limerick

BOHEMIANS

Injured: Ryan Swan.

Doubtful: Rob Cornwall.

Suspended: None.

LIMERICK

Injured: Shane Tracey, Darren Dennehy.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: Killian Cantwell, Eoin Wearen.