League Preview: Limerick FC -v- Cobh Ramblers

LIMERICK FC

Limerick have certainly lived up to their early title of favourites with two comprehensive victories over UCD and Waterford respectively.

Martin Russell will be particularly pleased by his team’s creativity and composure in front of goal. New signing Aaron Greene has scored four goals in two appearances for his new club.

Speaking to Limerickfc.ie before the game, Greene highlighted the togetherness within the club as a crucial factor to their fast start. The former St.Pats player stated, “It means a lot to us that it means so much to the fans, because that gives us that willingness and hunger to go and be successful and hungry.”

The Super Blues cruised to victory last week in Waterford but Cobh could prove their toughest test yet as they visit the Markets Field for the first time. The Shannonsiders will be hoping to produce the same display at the Garryowen venue as they did on the opening day and with a near full strength squad available, few would bet against the team extending their impressive start.

COBH RAMBLERS

Cobh are being viewed as an outside tip for a play-off place if not a shot at the title. Manager Stephan Henderson has led the club to the First Division crown before on a similarly tight budget.

Cobh picked up a great 1-0 victory against Shelbourne on the opening night and followed it up with a 1-1 draw at home to newly relegated Drogheda. An early feature of Cobh’s play has been their defensive solidity and they will be hoping to continue their encouraging start at the Market’s Field. Cobh currently sit two points behind Limerick and rightfully, the game has been predicted as the most entertaining of the weekend in the SSE Airtrcity League First Division.

Referee: Eoghan O’Shea

MATCH FACTS

Cobh will travel to the Market’s Field in confident mood having defeated Limerick at St. Colman’s Park in the Munster Senior Cup only three weeks ago. However, the visitors will be aware that Limerick are likely to be a different proposition on their home turf.

Cobh manager Stephan Henderson has a very good record against the Super Blues as a manager. The last league meeting between the clubs came back in 2007 and ended in a 0-0 draw at Jackman Park in Limerick before The Rams went on to lift the league trophy later that season.

Both sides have made solid starts and go into the game unbeaten. Cobh’s two matches to date have had three goals whereas Limerick’s games have amassed twelve goals.

BETTING

Limerick 3/10; Draw 15/4; Cobh 8/1.

PREDICTION

Limerick 2-1 Cobh Ramblers

Limerick FC

Injured: Shaun Kelly.

Doubtful: Shane Duggan.

Suspended: None.

Cobh Ramblers

Injured: None.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.