EA Sports Cup Preview: Derry City -v- Limerick

DERRY CITY

Derry City welcome in-form Limerick to the Brandywell Stadium on Monday night in the EA Sports Cup semi-final (kick-off 7.45pm).

Third-place Derry continued their recent good form on Friday, earning a valuable point against Sligo at the Showgrounds, drawing 0-0.

Kenny Shiels has brought much needed improvement to the Brandywell this season, and has placed his trust in the youth system, which has brought the team success in League and Cup competitions.

The Candystripes recorded an impressive 2-1 extra-time win over Cork City at Turners Cross at the start of May to reach the semi-final.

Kenny Shiels can also welcome back Harry Monaghan to the Derry midfield. The Scotsman, who signed for Derry in December, said he is looking forward to getting back on the field.

“I would hope to get some game time over the next few days. I was playing well before my injury happened. As everyone knows it’s my full intention to get back into the team,” He said

“So with plenty of games coming up this suits me perfectly and it’s a great opportunity to get back in there.“ He concluded

But for anyone thinking First Division Limerick will roll over and die then think again.

LIMERICK

Limerick will travel into this cup game with a different mentality and, I think its fair to say, a bigger and better challenge in front of them than they have been presented with so far this season.

The Blues will come into the game also full of confidence after going 20 points clear at the top of the First Division table with only 19 games played and are all but promoted to the Premier Division next season.

A brilliant league campaign could become better for Martin Russell’s side if they could make the final of the League Cup and perhaps win it.

However, they are up against a Derry City side that have drastically improved this season and have got the better of Limerick on 9 of the 13 occasions the two sides have met.

The Munster side got their only win in 2014 at the Brandywell in a League game, winning 2-1, but have also conceded 23 goals in 13 games against the Candystripes.

Limerick have already beaten two Premier Division sides in the competition, beating Wexford Youths 4-0 and earning a 2-0 victory over Galway United. However, with Derry City in good form and with a lengthy trek up to the north-west, a win at the Brandywell would be Limerick’s most impressive performance in what is a near perfect season for the ‘Lims’.

Referee: Robert Harvey

MATCH STATS

Derry City have won 9 of the 13 meetings between the two sides

Limerick haven’t been beaten in the league this season and sit 20 points clear after only 19 games.

The Blues are the only First Division left in the competition and have already beaten two Premier Division sides to reach the semi finals.

PREDICTION

Derry City 3-0 Limerick

BETTING

Derry City 1/1; Draw 12/5; Limerick 11/4

Derry City

Injured: Gareth McGlynn.

Doubtful: Aaron Barry.

Suspended: None.

Limerick

Injured: Colm Murphy

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.