League Preview: Limerick -v- Shamrock Rovers

LIMERICK

The Shannonsiders enter tomorrow evening's game on the back of 3 defeats in a row and still winless after 9 league games. They entertain an unbeaten Shamrock Rovers side in what will inevitably be another tough games for Martin Russell's side. However, a result against Rovers is not entirely inconceivable, as Limerick have already taken a point from champions Dundalk.

Limerick have conceded 9 goals in their last 3 games following Monday's disappointing 2-0 loss to Derry City.

The Good news for Martin Russell is that Limerick should have a full squad to choose from with left back, Colm Murphy back in training this past week.

Limerick's captain, Shane Duggan remains upbeat about Limerick's chances as he spoke to the clubs website.

“We have to stay positive and believe that we can start picking up results soon. I feel we can. A lot of the games we have been well in and made chances.

“There is no point dwelling on past games – we can’t get the points back now. We have to look forward to the ones in front of us. We still haven’t got the first round of games completed. If you can pick up one or two wins you’re right back up there.

However one thing is for sure, and that is that the SSE Aitriticy League Premier Division is as tight as ever with all twelve teams well aware that one win can propel them up multiple places in the league standings.

“From sixth place down, there is only nine points between us. Some wins and you can move up quickly. It’s a long season – there’s a long way to go. Saturday is a massive game. If we all perform the way that we can I feel we can pick up the result.

“We treat every game the same, whether it’s a top team or otherwise coming here. As we proved against Dundalk, we can up our level to match them. But there is no point just doing it for the big games and not showing up for the rest of them.

While Russell was also keen to pay respect to the visitors on Satruday evening.

“We have to do it week in, week out. Everyone knows that Shamrock Rovers is one of the biggest clubs in the league. Maybe for some players it will motivate them more but I feel every game is the same.”

SHAMROCK ROVERS

Pat Fenlon's unbeaten side head to Jackman Park for a game that they are expected to win. Although Rovers are unbeaten so far this season with 5 wins and 4 draws, they may believe that their number of draws should be lower.

A comfortable 3-0 victory over Bray Wanderers in their last league meeting followed two successive draws against Derry City and Dundalk. Keith Fahey returned to the side on Monday night against Bray grabbing a couple of assists in the process. Fahey's presence was missed against Dundalk as the Hoops lacked creativity for the last half an hour of the game as they were one man up but couldn't find a creative way to break down the stern Dundalk defence.

David Webster who has been an inspired signing for the Hoops this season misses out through injury.

Pat Fenlon knows the expectancy of the Rovers fans and is looking to secure another 3 points today as he spoke to the clubs website

“We come into this game on the back of an excellent win against Bray Wanderers on Monday night, when the team put in a very good performance. And we should be looking to this game with a view to securing another three points. We know Limerick have had a tough enough start to the campaign however, and will be very keen to get a result tomorrow night."

Referee: Graham Kelly

MATCH STATS

The two sides met in the last game of last season in a typical nothing to play for style of match with Rovers running out 1-0 winners on that occasion thanks to a Gary McCabe goal.

Overall last season the points were shared equally, with a win for each side and a draw.

BETTING

Limerick 10/1; Draw 4/1; Shamrock Rovers 2/7.

PREDICTION

Limerick 0-2 Shamrock Rovers

Limerick

Injured: None

Doubtful: None

Suspended: None.

Shamrock Rovers

Injured: David Webster

Doubtful: None

Suspended: None.