League Preview: Waterford United -v- Limerick

WATERFORD UNITED

United boss Roddy Collins has assembled a new squad at the RSC this season with quite a number of additions to his playing roster.

Of the starting XI who lined out for the Blues, at United Park last weekend, eight players were making their competitive debuts for the Dublin native’s side. Only Aaron O’Connor, Anthony McAlavey and Shane Mackey from those who started were involved in the Blues squad last season.

Collins watched as his ‘new’ side were slow to get out of the blocks and their sluggish start resulted in a first half performance and a 2-0 deficit at the break which would haunt the Blues when the final whistle sounded, despite their sound second half display with Eoin Rhodes pulling a goal back for the Blues shortly after the break.

“I’m a little downbeat about last Friday night’s result against Drogheda United because all week we spoke about not conceding an early goal and we conceded after less than seven minutes so in that regard it’s disappointed. I can’t fault the lads for the effort in the second half, it was excellent.”

Having reflected on the defeat in Drogheda and put his focus on the forthcoming task against Limerick, Collins intends to shake things up this Friday night and will be sure to send his side out with an emphasis on settling into the game from the first whistle.

“In terms of the game on Friday night against Limerick, we will need to change things tactically so I’ll be tweaking with the team. We need to learn that we can’t start slow in games and if we do so in this game then I think we’ll be in serious trouble.”

The Blues are still waiting on registration clearance for Roddy Collins Jr and Yoann Fellrath.

LIMERICK FC

Man of the Match Aaron Greene notched a double to help Limerick beat UCD last weekend as they made a very encouraging start to life back in the First Division.

Martin Russell’s side are viewed as being favourites to clinch the First Division title this season and few will argue they're not best positioned to do so and make a swift return back to the Premier Division, where they fought tooth and nail until the very end last season before losing out to Finn Harps in the playoffs and dropping down a tier.

The Blues from Limerick will travel to Waterford full of confidence with ambitions to maintain their winning start to the season but Russell is in no way under the illusion that the game will be a walk in the park for his side having watched United in Drogheda last Friday.

“They were unlucky the other night. I watched them play against Drogheda; they should have got something out of the game. We know that they’ll be fired up for us. We expect a battle from each game and we’ve just got to make sure that we’re up to the mark when we come and play them.”

John O’Flynn is aiming to be match fit again having found himself on the bench against UCD whilst full back Shaun Kelly is battling against a knee Injury. Russell will be hoping to welcome back Paul O’Connor and Lee-J Lynch who both missed last week’s home victory through illness.

Referee: David Keeler.

MATCH STATS

The last time Waterford United won their opening home game of a season they beat Limerick 3-1 in 2012 at the RSC.

Limerick FC’s last First Division result was 3-1 home defeat against Wexford Youths in October 2012.

Waterford United beat Limerick FC on all four occasions the last time the two sides competed together in the First Division back in 2012.

BETTING

Waterford United 9/2; Draw 11/4; UCD 8/15.

PREDICTION

Waterford United 1-1 Limerick FC

Waterford United

Injured: None.

Doubtful: Roddy Collins Jr, Yoann Fellrath. (Both awaiting registration clearance).

Suspended: None.

Limerick FC

Injured: None.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.