League Preview: Derry City -v- Limerick

• Tom Clancy
• Fri, Oct 10 2014




DERRY CITY

Fresh from their Cup heroics against Shamrock Rovers on Tuesday, Derry City host 9^th place Limerick in the Brandywell on Friday night, kick-off 7.45pm. Peter Hutton must be delighted to be in the hot seat, as Derry build up towards what he will hope to be the Clubs 6^th FAI Cup title.


Shaun Kelly, cup-tied on Monday, is suspended against the Club who were quite fond of him during his time on Shannonside.  Elsewhere there have been no fresh injury concerns although fatigue may be an issue for the side placed 6^th at present.
 

It is perhaps notable that Derry have drawn five home games, and its turning those tight games into wins that Peter Hutton must focus on, if his side are to progress into title challengers in 2015. While slow starts have also been a reason for so many draws, City have been tied 17 times at the break, the highest in the division.
 

Perhaps three games since Sunday will take its toll on the Derry squad, but perhaps Hutton may utilise his squad as Derry look to cement a top-half finish. Defeat would leave City ahead of Limerick on goal difference.


LIMERICK

Martin Russell side face a trip North to face a Club which have been dominant against them in recent year, though Limerick managed a 0-0 draw on Foyleside early in the season.
 

Patrick Nzuzi is suspended, while doubts remain over full-back Robbie Williams. Shane Costelloe, who’s missed almost the entire season, won’t feature in the final few games. Jack Doherty missed out once again.
 

Russell has expressed desires to field different players in the closing games and he handed Joseph N’do his Club debut last week. He has also set his sights on new signings, “There are targets I’ve identified. If we get the right ones in, I think it will make us more competitive again next year.”
 

That will be music to Blues fans’ ears, as will the news that the Club will be in Markets Field by kick-off of next season, something which the Club has been waiting to do for some time.
 

Referee: Paul Tuite

 

MATCH STATS

Derry won this fixture 6-0 and 2-1 last season

 

Limerick have failed to score in 7 of 15 away League games this season. 

 

The Superblues have six wins, one draw and just one defeat when Rory Gaffney has scored.

 

BETTING

Derry City 10/11 Draw 5/2 Limerick 3/1

 

PREDICTION

Derry City 2-1 Limerick


Derry City

Injured: Unavailable.

Suspended: Shaun Kelly

 

Limerick FC

Injured: Shane Costelloe (back), Jack Doherty (hip flexor)

Doubtful: Robbie Williams (hamstring)

Suspended: Patrick Nzuzi