League Preview: Limerick -v- Sligo Rovers

• Tom Clancy
• Thu, Oct 16 2014




LIMERICK
Limerick look to make it three consecutive wins in the league for the first time since early June, when they host Sligo Rovers at what would appear to be their last home game at the iconic Thomond Park. Martin Russell will be hoping his side can continue where they left off last week, as Rory Gaffney hit a 90^th minute winner away to Derry City.

The Blues were defeated 2-0 by Sligo in the Dubliner's first game in charge, and Gaffney has 10 goals in 11 since then. Significantly, Limerick have avoided any relegation worries easily, while they now have the opportunity of a top-half finish, should they finish with points against both Sligo and Shamrock Rovers.

Kieran Djilali looks poised to face his former club, while fellow-July addition Joey N’Do is ineligible having only signed on-loan. Elsewhere Ali Abass looks set to continue between the posts for Limerick; the Ghanaian will be looking for his first clean sheet for Limerick.

Jack Doherty, Shane Costelloe and Robbie Williams are once again absent for the Munster club.Patrick Nzuzi returns following suspension, but the full-back may see Michael Leahy preferred for this mid-table clash.

 

The game may be Limerick's last home game before a long-awaited and long-expected return to the Markets Field. The Shannonsiders have failed to score against Sligo in their three visits to Thomond Park so far.

SLIGO ROVERS

In their penultimate game in what has been a disappointing season, Sligo Rovers will look to cement fifth spot at a ground they will have happy memories of.


Interim-manager Gavin Dykes was disappointed to drop points at Bohs last week, where Eamon Zayed levelled proceedings late on. Zayed was widely rumoured to be joining Limerick in late-July only for Sligo to acquire his services late on transfer deadline day.

Dykes must plan without the services of Jeff Henderson, Gary Rogers, Alan Keane, Iarlaith Davoren and John Russell. Promising youngster Regan Donelon is available once more, while David Cawley could return to the heart of the Rovers midfield. One player in doubt for the Bit o’ Red is centre-half Gavin Peers who has a rib problem.

An entertaining 5-4 defeat to Accrington Stanley last Sunday allowed Ruairi Keating to net a hat-trick.  When asked about the striker, Dykes told SligoRovers.com “He’s close to getting a start, we have to make sure all the players in the squad keep fresh and are involved. It’s good for the young players to be given a taste and play a part. It’s really all about building a base for them for next year. But it is great to see Ruairi and the other young players doing so well.”

As with Limerick, Sligo have had an extremely mixed second-half to the season, not aided by the change of management on two occasions.
 

Referee: Kevin O’Regan.

 

MATCH STATS


Limerick have won every game in which they’ve scored in during the Martin Russell era.

Sligo last conceded to Limerick when Craig Curran put the Blues a goal up in Sligo 2-1 win home win over Limerick in March last year.

Referee O’Regan sent off two players (Shane Duggan and David Cassidy) the last time he took charge of Limerick (v Bray, March 2014).

 

BETTING

Limerick 15/8; Draw 12/5; Sligo Rovers 11/8.

 

PREDICTION

Limerick 2-1 Sligo Rovers.

  

Limerick FC

Injured: Robbie Williams (hamstring), Jack Doherty (hip flexor) Shane Costelloe (back).
Doubful: Barry Ryan.

Suspended: None.


Sligo Rovers

Injured: Jeff Henderson, Gary Rogers, Alan Keane, Iarlaith Davoren, John Russell.
Doubtful: Gavin Peers (Rib).

Suspended: None.