League Preview: Limerick -v- Dundalk

• Tom Clancy
• Sat, Apr 04 2015




LIMERICK

Still without a win almost a month into the season, Limerick face their toughest take so far when they host Dundalk in Jackman Park on Saturday, kick-off is 6.30pm.
 

Encouraging signs against St. Patrick’s Athletic last week went unrewarded and Bray Wanderers have since overtaken Limerick to leave them bottom.


The Super Blues should be close to full strength with Sean Harding having shaken off the knock that ended his night against the Saints.


Manager Martin Russell is aware of the test: “This weekend is another great game. You want to test yourself against the ones that are leading the way and Dundalk are definitely doing that – nobody has scored against them yet in the league and they have got maximum points.”


He went on to tell Limerickfc.ie “(Dundalk) will come here full of confidence, but we have gained a lot of belief in ourselves in the last few weeks. I think if we can continue to put the effort in that we have been then we’ll do well against them.”


DUNDALK

The perfect start by Dundalk will see them as nailed on for the title in many people’s eyes. A comfortable 3-0 victory against Sligo Rovers made it five wins from five, with Gary Rogers yet to concede a League goal for the Lilywhites.
 

Stephen O’Donnell is the only absentee, though Ronan Finn and Richie Towell have coped more than adequately thus far.

 
Despite the 100% start, Dundalk will be aware that Sligo Rovers won their opening eight games in 2012, but still finished off the pace.


The game begins a run of games where Dundalk are to face Drogheda United in the Lough derby and then Shamrock Rovers, a busy period that also involves a League Cup tie with Shelbourne on Tuesday.
 
 

Referee: David McKeon

 

MATCH STATS

Limerick have gone three home games without a League victory, this is the third time since returning to the top flight in 2013 that this has happened. They have yet to go four without a win.
 

The Blues have kept two home clean sheets in 18 League games.


Dave Cassidy (Bray Wanderers) is the only player to score against Dundalk in their last 11 League games.


Dundalk won each of last season’s games by a one goal margin.


BETTING
Limerick 14/1 Draw 5/1 Dundalk 2/9

 

PREDICTION
Limerick 0-2 Dundalk


Limerick

Injured: None

Doubtful: Colm Murphy (Hamstring) 


Dundalk

Injured: Stephen O’Donnell (knee)

Doubtful: None