League Preview: Limerick FC -v- Sligo Rovers

New promoted Limerick will begin their season back in the SSE Airtricity Premier Division with a stern test against Sligo Rovers at the Market’s Field on Friday evening (kick-off 7.45pm).

LIMERICK

Limerick will be hoping to maintain their momentum from last season when they take on the challenge of Sligo Rovers in their opening league game on Friday night. Limerick enjoyed a good pre-season with wins over Waterford FC (3-1), Ballinamallard Utd (0-4), and Cobh Ramblers (0-2), a draw with Drogheda United (1-1) and a solitary 2-1 defeat by Galway United at Eamonn Deacy Park.

The Super Blues coach Martin Russell will be aiming to maintain their status as a top flight club and avoid the disastrous start to the 2015 season which saw the Shannonsiders go 21 league matches without a win and culminated in a return to the SSE Airtricity First Division.

Limerick have strengthened their squad in the close season with the addition of veteran Brazilian striker Rodrigo Tosi, experienced goalkeeper Brendan Clarke, defender David O’Connor, winger Chiedozie Ogbene and ex-PSG youth player Bastien Hery.

SLIGO ROVERS

Sligo Rovers will be aiming to build upon a good season in the SSE Airtricity Premier Division last year which saw them finish in 5^th place and narrowly missing out on a Europa League qualification spot. The Bit O’ Red have had a decent pre-season with wins over Westport United, Ballinamallard Utd, Cliftonville and the Irish Defence Forces with reverses against Galway United and Longford Town.

Sligo boss Dave Robertson will be hoping his side can spoil Limerick’s return to the big time with a positive result in the Mid-West. Robertson was pleased with his side’s preparation for the start of the season telling www.sligorovers.com, “There is excitement. We have had eight pre-season matches – a number we targeted with a view to getting the right number of minutes for every player. It has been well structured, had its ups and downs but overall we’re very happy with how it has went and where we are.”

The Bit O’Red have made some useful additions to their squad including goalkeeper Shaun Patton from Derry City, defender Kyle Callan-McFadden from Orlando City, Chris Kenny from Wexford, and English strikers Jonah Ayunga and Matthew Stevens both on loan from Brighton and Peterborough.

Sligo Rovers boss Dave Robertson has a fully fit squad from which to select from but will have to make do without the suspended Liam Martin.

Referee: Graham Kelly

MATCH FACTS

Limerick last played against Sligo Rovers in a competitive match back in the 2015 season when the Shannonsiders came out 2-3 winners in a thrilling match at the Showgrounds.

The sides have met on 30 occasions since 2000 with little to choose between them. Sligo have the marginal better head to head record with 11 wins to Limerick’s 9 with 10 draws. Sligo scored 39 goals with Limerick managing 30 in total.

BETTING

Limerick evens; Draw 12/5; Sligo Rovers 11/4.

PREDICTION

Limerick 2-1 Sligo Rovers

Limerick

Injured: None

Doubtful: None

Suspended: None

Sligo Rovers

Injured: None

Doubtful: None

Suspended: Liam Martin