Limerick FC -v- Waterford United

Three points are a must for Pat Scully’s Limerick side as they face Waterford United in the final league game of the 2011 season. Jackman Park will host the fixture; a ground which Waterford have only managed to gain a single point from in their last four visits. (Kick-off 7.45)

This game cannot stand on its own two feet with regards the promotion race as a Monaghan United win in the midlands would deem any result here insignificant. For Limerick to snatch the play-off spot, they must win and pray that Athlone can get a point from their encounter with Roddy Collins’ men.

In terms of this fixture, these games are usually of a high intensity, and with it being a Munster derby, both sets of players tend to go all out. The sides have played each other three times already this year. The EA Sports Cup brought about a 1-0 win for Limerick; a result which was repeated in the league courtesy of a Paddy Purcell header. When Limerick travelled to the RSC, they won by two goals to nil – Denis Behan grabbing both.

Limerick’s form in the last series of games has been impeccable and it’s rather unfortunate that, after winning seven and drawing two of their last nine games, a win on Saturday night may still not be enough for the Shannonsiders. Their last league encounter was away to the side which they are chasing, Monaghan United. Limerick won it by a goal to nil thanks to an early strike from Paudie Quinn.

Waterford have themselves been developing into a well organised side under the management of Paul O’Brien. The Blues even recorded a shock 1-0 win over Shelbourne in the RSC a few weeks back. In their last game they defeated Mervue United by two goals to nil; Seamus Long and Dwayne Wilson netting for United.

O’Brien was under no illusions as to his aim going into this game. "If we win in Limerick it would be a great boost for everyone as the club looks forward to next season. We wanted to win the last four games of the season, and we have won three so we will go to Limerick for the last game determined to achieve our aim. There is a confidence in the team right now which is great!''

Pat Scully himself realises what a pity it is that they need a favour from Athlone, but praised his squad for their consistency, saying “This season anything that could go against us, has. We have just had no luck at all, between Monaghan getting awarded two extra points, being put into the FAI cup semi final then taken out again, crippled by injuries all season. I think we’ve had 5 to 12 players missing since the first game and that’s why the players deserve so much credit. They’ve been magnificent all season and we need to be magnificent again on Saturday night. Waterford are a decent team and it will be a tough physical game.  We have to keep playing at our level, the players are very focused at the moment and will be 100% ready on Saturday and who knows we might even get that bit of luck when we need it most.”

Limerick FC:

Injured: Garry Sheahan, Dave Ryan, Brian O’Callaghan, Shaun Maher.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

Waterford United:

Injured: Kevin Murray, Adam McSherry.

Doubtful: Connor Sinnott.

Suspended: None.

Referee: Graham Kelly.

Paddy Power Odds: Limerick 2/5, Draw 11/4, Waterford 7/1.

Extratime prediction: Limerick 1-0 Waterford.