League Preview: Limerick -v- Drogheda United

LIMERICK FC

Limerick will be presented with the SSE Airtricity League First Division trophy on Saturday evening at the Market’s Field. However, before the celebrations begin, the home side entertain Drogheda United at the Garryowen venue.

Since being crowned champions at the Belfield Bowl on August 28^th, The Super Blues have struggled to retain motivation and a high performance level. Last weekend’s 2-0 defeat to Cobh Ramblers signalled the end of the Shannonsiders valiant efforts to equal Shamrock Rovers unbeaten record which has stood for 89 years.

Limerick bounced back with a hard fought 1-0 victory over basement side Athlone Town in midweek and welcome back Shane Duggan who was shown a straight red card at St. Colman’s Park.

Speaking to limerickfc.ie this week, Martin Russell encouraged supporters to celebrate the players’ achievements; "It will be great if people come out and celebrate the fact that we're back in the Premier Division. We're there as Champions. As I've said all along, the lads have represented the club and city in a very good fashion this year, played some very good football, deservedly went up as Champions, and Saturday is that sort of celebration time, really"

DROGHEDA UNITED

Pete Mahon’s side travel south in the hope that they can maintain their impressive record against Limerick. On both previous meetings this season, Drogheda have been denied victory by injury-time equalisers.

Considering the ease in which Limerick have dismantled most teams in the division on a regular basis, that is quite an impressive showing. The Boynesiders were unbeaten in nine games before falling to a shock defeat to Cabinteely at Stradbrook in their last fixture.

The visitors can confirm their place in this season’s Promotion/Relegation playoff with a win but a point will almost certainly be enough considering their much superior goal difference to 4^th placed Cobh Ramblers. 

However, Pete Mahon will be eager to take advantage of the celebratory atmosphere in Limerick and will be hoping that the runaway leaders already have one eye on the trophy presentation after the match.

Referee: James McKell

MATCH STATS

As previously mentioned, both previous meetings this season ended in a draw with Drogheda extremely unlucky on both occasions as they conceded last minute goals. The sides played out a highly entertaining 3-3 draw in Hunky Dory’s Park in August when a stoppage-time header from Aaron Greene rescued a point for the then unbeaten Super Blues.

Drogheda have recorded one win and one draw at the Markets Field since its return last season. The visitors ruined the homecoming party with a 2-1 victory in August 2015 courtesy of goals from Michael Daly and Lee Duffy who have since departed the club.

Over the past two season, it has been the away side who have had the better of this fixture. In 2015, Limerick recorded a draw and a victory away. On the other hand, Drogheda recorded a victory at the Markets Field in 2015 as well as a draw in this campaign.

BETTING

Limerick 8/13; Draw 11/4; Drogheda 7/2

PREDICTION

Limerick 2-2 Drogheda United

Limerick

Injured: Seamus Sharkey (Head)

Doubtful: None

Suspended: None

Drogheda United

Injured: Unknown

Doubtful: Unknown

Suspended: Gareth McCaffrey