EA Sports Cup Preview: Limerick FC -v- Wexford Youths

LIMERICK FC

Runaway First Division leaders Limerick FC have been ultra-impressive this campaign with Shane Tracy, Aaron Greene and Lee Lynch in imperious form as they already look set for an immediate return to the top-flight of Irish football for 2017.

Martin Russell’s side brushed aside the weak challenge of Cabinteely in the Market’s Field on Saturday evening thanks to goals from Garbhán Coughlan, Shane Tracy and an own goal by Cabinteely defender Kevin Knight in front of a raucous crowd of 1,348.

The Shannonsiders attention will now switch to cup action and Tuesday evening’s visit of Wexford Youths in the Second Round of the EA Sports Cup.

The Blues easily despatched the challenge of Munster and First Division rivals Cobh Ramblers four weeks ago by four goals to two with Robbie Williams, Stephen Kenny and John O’Flynn (2) putting their side comfortably through to the second round of the cup.

Talking to www.limerickfc.ie following their weekend victory, Limerick manager Martin Russell talked up tomorrow night’s opponents and understands that it’s a big chance to test his side against opposition from the Premier Division.

“I went to see Wexford Youths play against Pats there and they were probably a little bit unlucky to lose by the four (goals). In fact, they had a few chances and the score probably flattered Pat’s a little bit. They’re a committed bunch and they’ll come here looking to go far in the cup like ourselves.

When asked whether the exclusion of skipper Shane Duggan from the starting team for last Saturday’s match was a portent that he intends to play his strongest eleven against Wexford, Russell replied: “We’ll always play a team that we think are capable of winning the game and that will be the same approach come Tuesday.”

WEXFORD YOUTHS

Shane Keegan’s exuberant Youths team have brought flair, flamboyancy and undoubtedly colour to the 2016 Premier Division, however, what they didn’t bring was their ‘A’ game to Richmond Park last Friday night as they were thrashed 4-0 by a rampant St. Patrick’s Athletic.

Indeed, that performance was arguably their worst of the season and the timing of it was surprising due to their good recent form which has seen them defeat Bray Wanderers and gain a point against John Caulfield’s side in Cork having led for much of the match.

Tomorrow night’s visit to Limerick will though offer his side a chance to redeem themselves and a good cup run could help their league form which has seen them being compared to the Limerick side of 2015, whereby performances were encouraging, but their points tally was far from it.

Having received a bye in Round One, this will be Youths’ debut appearance in this season’s League Cup competition and it should be something that they take seriously because as Galway United proved last year, a good cup run can positively impact upon league performances and results.

Following their humbling in Inchicore on Friday night, their manager Shane Keegan gave a brutally honest interview to www.wexfordyouthsfc.ie, whereby he labelled their opening half hour of the match as “awful”.

Indeed, they conceded three goals in that thirty-minute opening period and if they repeat such a lax defensive display in the Market’s Field, with the goal scoring form that Limerick are in, Wexford could be in for another long night of toil.

Referee: Padraigh Sutton

MATCH STATS

Tomorrow night’s encounter between the sides will signal Wexford Youths’ first visit to the newly refurbished Market’s Field.

Youths won the First Division title last season by a margin of six points from Finn Harps in second place, Limerick already have a 10-point lead and a 100% record in this season’s second tier competition.

Limerick have won the League Cup on three occasions the last of which came in 2002. Wexford Youths have never won the competition

PREDICTION

Limerick FC 2-1 Wexford Youths.

BETTING

Limerick FC 8/15; Draw 11/4; Wexford Youths 5/1.

Limerick FC

Injured: Unknown.

Doubtful: Unknown.

Suspension: None.

Wexford Youths

Injured: Unknown.

Doubtful: Unknown.

Suspension: None.