League Preview: Limerick -v- Bray Wanderers

LIMERICK FC

Friday night sees Limerick FC host Bray Wanderers in the opening round of the 2014 SSE Airtircity League Premier Division at Thomond Park (kick-off 7.45pm).

The Superblues are just back from the Basque region of Spain where they lost 4-3 to Athletic Bilbao ‘B’ and 2-1 to Amorebieta in two of six pre-season friendlies.

In general, the club’s pre-season has been seriously curtailed by injuries and, of course, the storms that battered Ireland over the past two months.

In team news, manager Stuart Taylor has confirmed two players from the ‘Right to Dream’ academy in Ghana will be signed in the coming weeks. At the time of going to print Taylor expects most of his current squad to have overcome niggling injuries in time for Friday night’s season opener.

Speaking to limerickfc.ie, Taylor is looking to the clubs’ fans to get behind his troops from the get-go on Friday night.

“We always plead for a big crowd because it obviously helps the finances of the club and balances the books,” he said.

“But on top of that, the atmosphere with the supporters getting behind the players is incredible and we’re looking for that this season.

BRAY WANDERERS

Last season Bray Wanderers staved off relegation overcoming Longford Town in a two legged play-off in November.

The Seagulls off-season has been overshadowed by the acrimonious departure of League of Ireland legend and ex-manager Pat Devlin.

The Wanderers’ board of directors have appointed Alan Mathews and now the Wicklow side must continue unabashed.

Wanderers go to Limerick starved of the services of no less than five players through injury and suspensions. Shane O'Neill misses out with a groin injury, defender Adam Mitchell is recovering from a hamstring injury while Graham Kelly, Shane O'Connor and David Scully all serve suspensions carried over from last season.

Jason Byrne is a high-profile departure and Mathews has failed to sign a quality striker to replace the former Cardiff City man.

Speaking during the week Mathews feels he is missing one or two players but is happy with the overall squad.

"Were strong enough in certain areas and maybe we could do with a little bit more cover in one or two. Overall we've assembled a squad which will be competitive.

"Pre-season has gone pretty well, I've been happy with the players attitude and application. We are looking forward to Friday night, it's a tough assignment but it's a good place to go to play".

Referee: Kevin O’Regan

MATCH STATS

A win for each team and draw was the outcome during last season’s three meetings.

This is Bray’s tenth successive season in Premier Division football.

Limerick FC’s star striker Shane Tracy has scored six goals in five pre-season friendlies.

BETTING

Limerick FC 8/15; Draw 11/4; Bray Wanderers 5/1

PREDICTION

Limerick FC 2-0 Bray Wanderers

Limerick FC

Injured: None

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: Kevin O’Connor

Bray Wanderers

Injured: Shane O’Neill, Adam Mitchell

Doubtful: None

Suspended: Graham Kelly, Shane O’Connor, David Scully