League Preview: Shamrock Rovers -v- Limerick

• Tom Clancy
• Fri, Oct 24 2014




SHAMROCK ROVERS

The Hoops host Limerick in a game that, barring a massive goal swing, will have no bearing on Rovers’ final league position. The game, which sees James McKell in charge, kicks-off at 7.45pm.


With Rovers looking cemented in fourth place, they will be wishing St. Pats the very best of luck in the FAI Cup Final, in order for the Hoops to gain a Europa League qualifier spot. 

‘Nutsy’ will have to plan without centre-half Conor Kenna, as well as attacker Dean Kelly, both due to suspension, while David O’Connor remains side-lined through injury.

“Both Limerick and ourselves have been going well lately and have picked up some good results," said Fenlon ahead of the match, "so we expect it to be a tough game. 

 

"Depending on how the game goes in Sligo, we could finish the season on the same points as St Pat’s and so we are keen to do that.”


Rovers have had a frustrating time over Limerick since the Blues returned to top flight action, enjoying just one win in five league meetings, as well as needing a Jason McGuinness header in stoppage time to salvage a point in early May.



LIMERICK
The Shannonsiders arrive in Tallaght with plenty of confidence following three consecutive wins.

 

Those victories have left them in a position whereby a win on Friday evening would put them in contention for fifth place, something which seemed unimaginable at earlier stages of an inconsistent season.


The additions to their squad in July have helped the creativity in attack but it has been one of their longer serving players, Rory Gaffney, who has been key to their revival.

 

Suspended this Friday, Gaffney scored 11 of 18 goals since Martin Russell arrived in July, as well as the opener in the last meeting between the sides in August.

 

The Galway man has been rumoured to be heading for the exit, while this game could be a measure as to how dependant Limerick are on the striker.


Russell will be without Gaffney, Jack Doherty, Jason Hughes, Robbie Williams and Shane Costelloe. Joseph N’Do is available again to face one of his many former Clubs.

The draw between the sides in May was, rather bizarrely, Limerick's last draw, something which emphasises the inconsistency which has been around the team in 2014.

 


Referee: James McKell

 

MATCH STATS

The last meeting of the sides, which resulted in a 4-1 home win for the Super Blues, was Trevor Croly’s last game in charge of the Hoops.

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

 

Sean O’Connor (scorer of three goals in his last four league games) and Barry Ryan may face their former clubs. Both enjoyed less-than successful spells with Limerick and Rovers respectively.

 

BETTING

Shamrock Rovers 4/7 Draw 3/1 Limerick 9/2

 

PREDICTION

Shamrock Rovers 2-1 Limerick

  
Shamrock Rovers

Injured:  David O’Connor.

Suspended: Conor Kenna (4 yellow cards), Dean Kelly (4 yellow cards).

 

Limerick FC

Injured: Robbie Williams (hamstring), Jason Hughes (knee) Jack Doherty (hip flexor) Shane Costelloe (back).
Doubtful: Barry Ryan.

Suspended: Rory Gaffney (8 yellow cards).