Limerick -v- Shamrock Rovers

LIMERICK

Limerick FC will be looking to bounce back after Saturday night’s 1-0 home defeat to Saint Patrick’s Athletic when they face Shamrock Rovers on Tuesday night in Thomond Park (kick off 7.45pm). They will have 24 hours less rest than Rovers who drew with Cork City on Friday night in Tallaght.

Manager Stuart Taylor will have to do without both Barry Ryan and Axel Bossekota who are both suspended. Shane Cusack will retain his place in goal with Ryan unavailable. There are also major doubts about David O’Leary and Robbie Williams. Better news for Taylor is that Rory Gaffney is likely to be available. 

Speaking to Limerickfc.ie over the weekend Taylor said that Gaffney was close to being available for the St. Pat’s game but that he is hoping that he can call upon him against Rovers. “[He] has come through a couple of training sessions and worked really well so he’s close to coming back into contention. He may feature in some way on Tuesday night. Outside of that the squad are looking good and healthy.

The concession of a first half penalty was the difference between Limerick and St. Pat’s last Saturday when Shaun Kelly fouled Saints full-back Ian Berminghan in the box. Killian Brennan dispatched the penalty for Pat’s past replacement goalkeeper Shane Cusack. A win for Limerick would see them jump above Shamrock Rovers in the early season table.

SHAMROCK ROVERS

The Hoops travel to Thomand Park looking for only their second win of the league campaign. Rovers left it late against Cork City last Friday when Derek Foran grabbed his side an equaliser with virtually the last kick of the game. It was the Hoops’ fourth draw in five league games.

Rovers boss Trevor Croly will be looking for a repeat of his sides second half performance after stating that his team were below par before the break in the game against the Leesiders in Tallaght Stadium. “We just didn’t play in the first-half, that is the truth,” said Croly directly after the game. “The second-half we played with intensity and we got balls into the box.”

With Limerick playing 24 hours after the Cork game, Croly took the opportunity of watching the Limerick versus Saint Patrick’s Athletic game in Thomond Park and he is looking forward to taking on the Shannonsiders in the rugby stadium. “I was down there on Saturday night and it’s a great venue to be playing in, both for the players and the fans.

“Limerick also have a good side; they have good players and we expect it to be a tricky test for us. But we are well prepared for the game and will be looking to go and get a win from the tie.”

Referee: Tom Connolly.

MATCH STATS

The goal Shamrock Rovers conceded to Cork City’s Colin Healy last Friday is the only goal the Hoops have allowed in the league in their opening five games. Up to that point Rovers had gone 394 minutes without conceding a league goal.

The sides met last year in the second round of the FAI Cup with a Stephen O’Donnell goal on 67 minutes enough for Shamrock Rovers to earn the win in Tallaght Stadium. The last time the teams played each other in the league was back in November 2006 in the First Division. A brace by Andy Myler secured a 2-0 win for the Hoops. 

The teams played each other in Thomand Park in August 1960. Limerick used the League of Ireland Shield game against Rovers as a dry run in the venue ahead of their European Cup match with Young Boys of Bern in the rugby ground. Rovers won 2-0 thanks to goals from Tony O’Connell and Tommy Hamilton.

BETTING

Limerick 11/4; Draw 11/5; Rovers Evens.

PREDICTION

A 1-0 away win.

Limerick

Injured:  David O’Leary, Robbie Williams.
Suspended: Axel Bossekota, Barry Ryan.

Shamrock Rovers

Injured: Jason McGuinness (hamstring), David Elebert (groin).
Suspended: None.