League Preview: Limerick FC -v- Bray Wanderers
Mid-table Limerick take on the challenge of high flying Bray Wanderers in a potentially explosive affair in the SSE Airtricity Premier Division at the Market’s Field on Friday evening (kick-off 7.45pm).
LIMERICK
Limerick will look to return to winning ways with a vital victory over Bray Wanderers in their bid to pull further clear of the relegation zone in the SSE Airtricity Premier Division. Limerick were on the wrong side of a five goal thriller against Finn Harps last Friday night in Ballybofey with the Donegal side eventually winning 3-2.
The Super Blues have been struggling for consistency in the SSE Airtricity Premier Division lately with Neil McDonald’s only win in their last 8 games coming in a 2-1 win over Bohemians at Dalymount Park. The Shannonsiders have drawn against Derry City twice, Galway United and Shamrock Rovers and lost to Dundalk, Sligo Rovers and Finn Harps.
The Super Blues boss Neil McDonald will be hoping that his side can build on their battling display in Ballybofey last Friday night and can produce a performance to please the faithful crowd at the Market’s Field and earn his side a positive result.
BRAY WANDERERS
The Seagulls have eyes on a Europa League spot and will seek to consolidate their league position by taking maximum points against Limerick tomorrow evening. Bray come off the back of a disappointing 2-0 defeat at the hands of Shamrock Rovers at Tallaght Stadium in the SSE Airtricity Premier Division last Tuesday night.
Harry Kenny’s side have been in poor form of late with just one win in their last 7 league outings that being a comprehensive 3-0 win over Finn Harps in Ballybofey. The Seagulls have drawn against Sligo Rovers, Drogheda United and St. Patrick’s Athletic and suffered defeats at the hands of Shamrock Rovers, Bohemians and league leaders Cork City.
Bray Wanderers boss Harry Kenny was disappointed with the defeat to Shamrock Rovers and highlighted fatigue as a potential factor telling www.braywanderers.com, “very disappointed after Tuesday’s result and performance against Shamrock Rovers in Tallaght. The recent amount of games seemed to have caught up with the lads, playing four games in eleven days is very demanding for part-time players. In saying that Rovers played very well and deserved their victory.”
The Seagulls boss Kenny indicated his side will adopt a positive approach to the game saying: “We need to regroup and prepare for Limerick tomorrow. We will be going all out to secure the points before the mid-season break. “
Kenny has almost a fully fit squad from which to choose from with Keith Buckley being the only doubt due to a foot injury which meant he was absent from the Rovers game.
Referee: Anthony Buttimer
MATCH FACTS
Limerick and Bray Wanderers have met once already in the SSE Airtricity Premier Division this season at the Carlisle Grounds with the Super Blues winning 1-0 thanks to an early goal from Paul O’Conor.
Limerick and Bray Wanderers have met each other 27 times since 1997 with Limerick winning 8 matches, Bray winning 13 and there have been 6 draws. Limerick scored 37 goals averaging 1.37 per game while Bray scored 39 goals averaging 1.44 per game.
Limerick are currently in 6th place in the SSE Airtricity Premier Division on 20 points with 5 wins, 5 draws and 6 defeats.
Bray Wanderers are in 3rd place in the SSE Airtricity Premier Division on 27 points with 8 wins, 3 draws and 6 defeats.
BETTING
Limerick 11/8 Draw 12/5 Bray Wanderers 15/8
PREDICTION
Limerick 2-1 Bray Wanderers
Limerick
Injured: Unknown
Doubtful: Unknown
Suspended: None
Bray Wanderers
Injured: Keith Buckley
Doubtful: None
Suspended: None
