League Preview: Limerick -v- Drogheda United

Runaway league leaders Limerick FC will play host to Drogheda United in a mouth-watering top of the table clash in the SSE Airtricity First Division at the Market’s Field on Saturday evening (kick-off 6.30pm).

LIMERICK FC

Limerick FC will be looking to extend the gap at the top of SSE Airtricity First Division to a whopping 17 points going into the mid-season break with a win over second place Drogheda United. The Super Blues made it 16 wins in a row in all competitions last Sunday afternoon with a thrilling 4-3 win over Shelbourne at Tolka Park, with Martin Russell’s team having to dig deep to escape with all three points.

Limerick FC became only the second League of Ireland side to win 12 league games on the trot following that victory. Limerick FC boss Russell was disappointed with the concession of three goals but pleased with the gritty determination and spirit that his side showed to come out on top, telling www.limerickfc.ie, “We got over the line at a difficult place so we’re pleased.”

It is not the first time this season that the Super Blues have come to the capital and had all their qualities severely tested. They had to work extremely hard to manage a 2-1 win over UCD at the UCD Bowl in April in a tightly contested affair.

Super Blues boss Russell feels the motivation for his side is to make a return to big time as soon as possible, telling www.limerickleader.ie, “We just have to keep it going. It is not the First Division level that we want to be at. It is playing against the big boys in the Premier Division.”

Limerick boss Russell has no major worries ahead of the game as they look to take one step closer to breaking Bohemians' record of 15 straight league wins set in the 1923-24 season.

DROGHEDA UNITED

Drogheda United face the unenviable task of trying to end Limerick FC’s 100% start to the season and to create a four point cushion between them and third place UCD going into the mid-season hiatus. The Drogs' superb run of four wins on the bounce was halted last Sunday with a 0-0 draw against a stubborn Cabinteely side.

Drogheda boss Pete Mahon was far from pleased and was at a loss to explain his side's disappointing, display admitting to www.droghedaunited.ie, “We were dreadful on the day. I can’t quite put my finger on why our intensity was lacking, our passing was off and we made the wrong decisions all across the pitch.”

However, Mahon believes his side can raise their game and provide a stern test for the league leaders. “There have been times where we have underperformed this season but nothing to that level," Mahon continued. "It’s now time to put a line under it and move on. I’m certain the players will provide a response tomorrow night.”

The Drogs boss appears cautious going into the game with Limerick, fully aware of how prolific they have been so far this season. “My main concern facing them is the amount of goals they’ve scored and the number of penalties they’ve received. It’s either a case of them playing all-out attack at times or they are getting the benefit of big decisions in the penalty area so we need to be careful," said Mahon.

Drogheda will have to make do without the services of injured duo Adam Wixted and Colm Deasy, although they will welcome the news that Deasy is expected to return to full training over the mid-season break. The Drogs will also be without the suspended Jake Hyland.

Referee: Adriano Reale.

MATCH FACTS

Limerick FC are currently in first place in the SSE Airtricity First Division with 12 wins from 12 league games with 36 points and have averaged just over 4 goals per game in the league so far.

Drogheda United are in second place in the SSE Airtricity First Division with 22 points consisting of 6 wins, 4 draws and 2 defeats and have averaged just over one goal per game.

The two sides clashed earlier in the season at United Park in April with Limerick FC running out comfortable 3-0 winners thanks to goals from Paul O’Conor, top scorer John O’Flynn and Lee-J Lynch.

BETTING

Limerick FC 1/7; Draw 11/2; Drogheda United 12/1.

PREDICTION

Limerick FC 2-0 Drogheda United.

Limerick FC

Injured: NA

Doubtful: NA

Suspended: NA

Drogheda United

Injured: Adam Wixted, Colm Deasy.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: Jake Hyland.