League Preview: Limerick -v- Shamrock Rovers

• Macdara Ferris
• Fri, Oct 23 2015




LIMERICK

It could be the end of line for Limerick in the Premier Division this Friday if they fail to get a win over Shamrock Rovers (kick off 7.45pm). They come into the game trailing Sligo Rovers and Drogheda United by two points with two games to go. That means the Shannonsiders will require victory over the Hoops to stave off relegation, if both Sligo (away to Pat’s) and Drogheda (home to Longford) win over the weekend.

 

Super Blues boss Martin Russell will be putting a positive spin on the permutations in discussions with his players ahead of their penultimate game of the season though. He will no doubt be emphasising that if results go their way over the weekend, his team will move out of relegation zone into tenth spot, above both the automatic drop spot and the play-off position.

 

RTÉ’s cameras will be at Market’s Field to cover the clash live. The punters in attendance and those watching at home may get to see another dramatic twist to this season’s incredible relegation battle and Limerick’s revival in particular.

 

In the last ten games, the Shannonsiders have secured 20 points (only champions Dundalk can match that record) but it could all to be no avail if they can’t add to that tally on Friday night. The last time the team’s met it looked like Limerick’s fate was sealed. However, following a comprehensive defeat in Tallaght at the end of July, Limerick have won six of their last ten games to give them a shot at securing safety with two games to go.

 

Last week’s loss at home to Derry City though has giving them very little wriggle room in the relegation battle. A massive 90 minutes awaits Limerick.

 

SHAMROCK ROVERS

If the Hoops are to have any chance of claiming runners up spot in the league, they must win in Limerick on Friday. Rovers blew a chance to go above Cork City on Saturday when they lost their 2-0 lead in Bray, conceding a sixth minute injury time equaliser to only take a point from their trip to the Seaside.

 

St. Pat’s couldn't do their Dublin rivals any favours against the Leesiders last Monday night losing 2-1 to Cork. That means the Hoops now trail second placed Cork by four points and have a further four point advantage over St. Pat’s below them who still have a shot themselves at jumping above Shamrock Rovers in the final table. 

 

Rovers haven’t won on their travels since a 3-1 win over Longford in mid-August but Pat Fenlon has virtually a full squad to chose from coming into their second last game and their final one on the road in the league this season. The Hoops do take on Dundalk in the Leinster Senior Cup on Bank Holiday Monday.

 

Max Blanchard is the only doubt for the Hoops. The French defender broke his nose in last Saturday’s game in Bray. He got on the scoresheet in that game, making it three goals for the Hoops in the Carlisle Grounds this season. Luke Byrne, who has missed a number of games recently due to injury, is available for selection.

  

Referee: Graham Kelly.

  

MATCH STATS

Limerick have 32 wins over Rovers and all with 19 of those wins earned in Market’s Field. The last time the sides played in Limerick’s traditional home was back in 1984. The Hoops beat the Blues in that FAI Cup tie 1-0.

 

When the teams last met in Limerick, Rovers required a late Brandon Miele equaliser to rescue a point at Jackman Park. The other game between the sides was at Tallaght Stadium in July when the Hoops won 4-1. Miele scored twice in that game. Aidan Price was an unused sub in the match for Limerick, with Price now involved with Rovers as their under 17 manager.

 

Vinny Faherty is Limerick’s top marksman on 11 goals. All but two of those goals have come in the last ten games. Brandon Miele is the only Rovers player to make the PFAI Premier Division team of the year. The midfielder has scored ten league goals this season. He is two behind his teammate Mikey Drennan who is one of four players in second spot in the top scorer table (all behind 22 goal man Richie Towell).

 

BETTING

Limerick 3/1; Draw 11/4; Shamrock Rovers 4/5. 

 

PREDICTION

2-1 away win.

  

Limerick

Injured: Unknown.

Suspended: None.

 

Shamrock Rovers

Injured: None.

Doubtful: Max Blanchard.

Suspended: None.