League Preview: Limerick -v- Dundalk
Credit:
LIMERICK FC
A far from ideal start from Stuart Taylor's troops sees Limerick in 11th place after 11 SSE Airtricity League games this campaign. The Blues have mainly struggled in attack while a much shallower depth of squad has caused far more stress on Shannonside.
The future of Craig Curran was cast in doubt before last week’s drab 1-0 reversal at the hands of Bray Wanderers, with the striker having his contract terminated by ‘mutual consent’ by the Club on Thursday morning.
His omission from the side in the opening months has left much of the attacking exploits on Rory Gaffney, the Galway man has found the net twice and is the sides top League scorer. With youth a common theme in the side, Limerick must look for inspiration from more than Gaffney if they are to upset an-ever impressing Dundalk.
Barry Ryan, who at 36 is the Clubs oldest player, returns from suspension, as do both Gaffney and full-back Robbie Williams. Sam Oji has accumulated four yellow cards which see him side-lined, while goalkeeping coach Eddie Hickey is banished from the technical area.
Michael Leahy, who signed from UCD, could make his first League start for the Club or Tony Whitehead, who’s progressed from U19 level, could be in-line for his first start since the defeat at Oriel Park.
DUNDALK
Despite the Setanta Sports Cup Final defeat last Saturday, there is continued optimism around the Co. Louth Club. Despite two painful defeats, to Bray and Drogheda United, Stephen Kennys men have been impressive and are within striking distance of pace setters St. Patrick's Athletic.
Key men have once again included Richie Towell and attacker Pat Hoban. The pair have outscored Limerick, while it was Hoban who equalised in The Lilywhites 2-1 victory over of Limerick in March. Despite the loss of Stephen O’Donnell through injury, last season’s runners-up have continued their upward spiral, with the recent victory over Cork City stating much about them this season. Key to that form has been Chris Shields, who’s covered every blade of grass and indeed every piece of rubber for Stephen Kenny in recent months. The Dubliner has thrived in deep-lying midfield where he has allowed Towell to prosper closer to the opposition’s goal.
Kenny will have a full squad to select from, aside from the aforementioned O’Donnell. Those who travel in support of Dundalk will hope for something more from their travels than they’ve gotten as of late, with the Cup Final defeat representing back-to-back away defeats, after a 1-0 defeat against Bray last time out.
Expect Dundalk to dominate, with Limerick relying heavily on the counter-attack, the loss of Sam Oji could be crucial, given the predatory instincts of Patrick Hoban. The return of Danny Galbraith should give Limerick more forward impetuous, but Duggan and Hughes will have their work cut out with Towell and the ever impressing Shields.
Referee: Neil Doyle (Dublin)
MATCH STATS
Only Rory Gaffney has scored more than one goal for Limerick. Barry Ryan and Tam McManus are the only two Limerick players in their 30’s.
Dundalk’s last visit to Thomond Park saw them let a 2-0 lead slip before losing 3-2 to the men in Blue. Dundalk failed to score in just two of their away Airtricity League games in 2013.
A win for Dundalk would mean their first victory in Limerick since the First Division in April 2008 where a 2-1 win helped the side to promotion. There hasn’t been a scoreless draw in the Premier Division between the sides since November 1993.
Dundalk have not kept a clean sheet against Limerick since June 2007
BETTING
Limerick 11/2 Draw 13/5 Dundalk 8/15
PREDICTION
More woe for Limerick, Dundalk 2-0
Limerick FC
Injured: Shane Costelloe
Suspended: Sam Oji, Eddie Hickey (coach)
Dundalk
Injured: Stephen O’Donnell (knee)
Suspended: None
