Play-off Preview: Limerick -v- Finn Harps

LIMERICK

Limerick rose from the ashes at the final possible moment of the season, as they climbed off the bottom of the table, where they had been trapped for 203 days. A magnificent performance in Sligo, coupled with Shamrock Rovers defeating Drogheda United in Tallaght, has ensured Limerick live to fight another day. Martin Russell summarised his side's performance and just rewards.

“It's very hard to put into words what we've seen tonight.... It was a hectic game, one which we were positive in our play from the start and we got the rewards and we also dug in and were resilient in the end.”

With many people in the media and even the Limerick players and fans themselves seemingly caught up in the joy of escaping definite relegation, Russell has expressed the importance of stating the job is not finished just yet.

“It's a short turnaround in terms of getting the players prepared for Monday's game.... we've work to do to now getting the players ready for Monday and the focus has got to quickly turn towards the game. We'll try and play in a positive fashion

Limerick have a fully available squad to choose from for tonight's game. Lee Lynch returns from suspension after being unavailable to play against Sligo, and therefore Russell may decide to change his starting XI from Friday night's game.

FINN HARPS

Finn Harps came back from a goal down to defeat UCD once again on Friday night in front of a packed Finn Park, earning a 3-1 aggregate victory and booking a place in the promotion/relegation play-off against Limerick.

The Donegal side certainly proved they were the better of the two First Division promotion hopefuls over two legs, although manager Ollie Horgan seemed a lot more tentative and thoughtful after the game.

“We got out of jail on Friday and UCD were the better side for long periods. However, we showed great character to come back into the tie on when it looked like UCD would go on to win the game having gone the goal in front.”

The prospect of facing an in-form Limerick and attempting to return to the Premier Division for the first time since 2008 is one which also gives Horgan and his side a dose of reality, as he admitted they'd hoped to avoid the Munster club.

“Limerick are the form team of all the teams in the Premier Division at the moment. It wasn’t the tie we were looking for but when you are 1-0 down in a game, we are just glad to be still in the play- offs. We might only be hanging on by a thread though with the standard that Limerick play at and also their full time training.”

Ahead of the biggest week in Finn Harps' recent history, Horgan has a number of injury concerns to deal with. Both of his main goal scorers, Nathan Boyle and Kevin McHugh are injured for the trip to Limerick, while Damien McNulty, Raymond Foy and Josh Mailey all are struggling for different reasons to be fit and ready for the quick turnaround on Monday.

Referee: Rob Rogers.

MATCH STATS

Limerick have an impressive record against Finn Harps. In the last thirteen games between the sides from 2009 and 2012 Limerick are unbeaten – winning nine and drawing four.

Finn Harps can boast the meanest defence in the country (joint with Dundalk) during the 2015 league season, leaking only 23 goals in 28 games. Conversely, Limerick have the worst defensive record this season, with a tide of 73 goals being conceded in 33 games.

Both teams have been in super form since the beginning of August, but it's Donegal side who have the better record. They are unbeaten in nine games. In the same period Limerick picked up the same number of wins as Finn Harps, seven being the shared achievement.

BETTING

Home 2/5; Draw 3/1; Away 11/2.

PREDICTION

Limerick finally lifted themselves off the table on Friday. Now instead of chasing their destiny, they can make it. Russell's men will have a packed Market's Field to aid them as they hope to continue their positive brand of football. Finn Harps will look to hurt Limerick on the counter-attack especially while remaining defensively organised, but this could be a step too far for Horgan's men.

Limerick 3 – 1 Finn Harps

Limerick

Injured: None.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

Finn Harps

Injured: Kevin McHugh, Nathan Boyle.

Doubtful:  Damien McNulty, Raymond Foy, Josh Mailey.

Suspended: None.