Limerick FC -v- Mervue United

LIMERICK FC

With just five games to go, it has now become a results business for Pat Scully’s Limerick. While the majority of the Shannonside public are far from happy with the performances seen at home this season, perhaps three points may justify any showing from the players this weekend as Mervue United come to town. 

A reaction will be expected from the Blues after manager Pat Scully decided to lock them in their dressing room for over an hour and a half after the full time whistle following their defeat to Waterford United last weekend. Having dropped five points in their last two games, Lims really need to finish strongly if they want to avoid the ultimate disappointment yet again. 

Despite recent results, Scully remains calm. “I’m not going to panic. There’s no point in losing the head at this stage over one bad result. We just need to be nice, calm and confident going forward. Mervue might be near the bottom but we know it’ll be a tough game. They all are at this point in the season. It’s a game we have to win and we have to accept the situation we’re in.”

The Blues will have to do without the services of David Ryan, Steven McGann and the suspended Jeffrey Judge. Stephen Bradley and David O’Leary will both face late fitness tests ahead of the clash on Friday night. 

MERVUE UNITED

Mervue will take the trip south to Limerick in the hope of derailing The Blues’ promotion hopes on Friday night. Having lost all the previous meetings between the sides this year, Johnny Glynn will be hoping to avoid a clean sweep of losses to the Shannonsiders this season. 

Given their position in the league table, Mervue will be considered to have “hit form” lately. A well deserved point against Finn Harps was followed up by a highly impressive four-nil drubbing of Waterford United in the FAI Cup.

Preparation is the key for Glynn, as he expects a reaction from the league leaders. “Limerick will present us with a big challenge especially as they have lost once again to Waterford prior to meeting us for the fourth time this season, so we can expect a backlash from that result once again and we must be prepared for that. We need to build on our last two results; the draw with Finn Harps and the cup win over Waterford United, and gain maximum points from our last five games”.

In terms of team news, it is all positive for the Galway outfit. United captain Mike Elwood should return to the side after missing the Waterford game on Monday. He is set to be joined by Dan Cunningham, Alex Lee and Cian McBrien who all seem to be in contention. Kenny Farrell has been ruled out with an ankle injury. 

Referee: A. Mullally. 

MATCH STATS

Limerick have won all three meetings between the sides this season with an aggregate score of 7-1. 

Mervue have only beaten Limerick once since joining the League of Ireland. That was a 1-0 victory back in May 2009. 

It may not be the best time to play Mervue. Their 4-0 win over Waterford was their biggest winning margin of the season – a record equalled by Limerick who recorded their only 4-0 win this season over Wexford Youths in June. 

BETTING

Limerick FC 1/5; Draw 4/1; Mervue 12/1.

PREDICTION

Limerick FC 1-0 Mervue United.

Limerick FC injury news: David Ryan, Steven McGann.

Limerick FC Suspension News: Jeffrey Judge.

Mervue United Injury News: Kenny Farrell.

Mervue United Suspension News: None.