League Preview: Limerick FC -v- Cork City

LIMERICK FC

Martin Russell's charges bounced back from two disappointing home performances to grab all three points at Bray last Saturday courtesy of a Paul O'Conor goal in the sixth minute. Limerick have only conceded four goals in five games which is encouraging for Russell considering many tipped the Shannonsiders to be vulnerable defensively at the start of the campaign.

Young defender Tony Whitehead has certainly formed a good partnership with veteran Robbie Williams at the heart of the Limerick defence, while the return of Dave O'Connor and John O'Flynn to the squad last week will add a lot of experience and quality to the Super Blues squad.

Left-back Shane Tracy is also back in training but Friday night may come too quickly for Limerick's longest serving player.

Speaking to the Limerick Leader in anticipation of the game, the Limerick boss was aware of the 'challenge' which faces his side this coming Friday. However, he feels that the Bray game should supply his side with confidence.

"It puts us into a good mood now heading into the big Munster derby against Cork City who are the form team in the league. It’s a big challenge but its one we want to test ourselves against and play well in. We have got a couple of injuries so we will see how that pans out during the week and we'll get our fittest side out on to the pitch.”

Russell is referring to knocks picked up in the game at the Carlisle Grounds by Robbie Williams and goalscorer Paul O'Conor who are both doubtful for Friday's big clash.

Limerick captain Shane Duggan realises that his teammates are underdogs but feels the Super Blues can create an upset like two years ago in Turners Cross where they defeated the then title challengers 2-3. Speaking to limerickfc.ie, he stated:

"No one is really expecting us to get the win so it takes a little bit of pressure off but all the lads are mad for this game. We feel that if we play to the best of our abilities which we showed when we beat them in Turners Cross two years ago, that we can pick up a positive result on Friday night."

CORK CITY

The visitors come to the Markets Field after a superb victory over old foes Dundalk at a sold out Turners Cross last Saturday afternoon. A Karl Shephard double inspired the Rebel Army to victory.

John Caulfield's men have begun the season at a blistering pace securing six wins from six and many have tipped Cork to go one better this season and secure their first premier division title since 2005.

The Cork manager has warned against complacency ahead of the eagerly anticipated derby match. Speaking to the club's official website, Caulfied warned, ”Every week is a different challenge and we need to be at the intensity and pace that we have been at, if we are to get a result.”

Caulfield praised his players for their attitude and dedication so far this season.

“They are a fantastic bunch, it is a pleasure to come in every day and work with them. The attitude is great, they are really good guys and their feet are on the ground. Ultimately, you have to have a squad of those type of players and have that attitude if you are serious about doing anything.”

Speaking about Friday's opponents, Caulfield expressed a need to concentrate on their own performance to get a positive result.

“We expect Limerick to be at their best and to want to turn us over. From my point of view, it is just important that we keep concentrating on our own game and the way we want to approach the match. We want everyone to be ready and to know that we need to play at high intensity, at our maximum every week, which is what we have generally done. If we do that, we will win most of our games, but when you drop your performances, then you will leave points behind you.”

The Rebel Army will be without captain Greg Bolger through injury and John Dunleavy will be assessed before kick-off. 

Referee: Neil Doyle.

MATCH STATS

In the last ten meetings, Cork have been victorious in five with two draws and three Limerick wins. 

In their last league meeting on the 14^th August 2015, relegation threatened Limerick overturned title chasing Cork 2-3 at Turners Cross. It was effectively the end of Cork City's realistic title challenge. 

The two clubs have met on 39 occasions in the league with Cork edging their Munster rivals with 18 wins to the Shannonsiders 12 wins. 

BETTING

Limerick 10/3; Draw 13/5; Cork 3/4

PREDICTION

Limerick 1-2 Cork City

Limerick FC

Injured: None

Doubtful: Robbie Williams, Paul O'Conor, Shane Tracy

Suspended: None

Cork City

Injured: Greg Bolger

Doubtful: John Dunleavy

Suspended: None