League Preview: Limerick FC -v- Derry City
- Extratime Team
- Sat, May 13 2017
Its 5th v 4th as Limerick entertain Derry City at the Market Fields on Saturday evening (kick-off 6.30pm).
LIMERICK
The Shannonsiders find themselves without a win in five and will be hoping to get back to winning ways this weekend. That run has included three draws and they sit in 5th place on the table.
Last time out, they went down to a disappointing 3-0 away defeat to Sligo Rovers, a first league defeat for caretaker boss Willie Boland. A win for the home side this evening would put them level on points with their opponents this evening.
Limerick will be looking to the home support to spur them onto another home win as they boast the fourth highest premier division attendance this season.
Goalkeeper Brendan Clarke spoke to Mirror Sport during the week and he insists Limerick are going full throttle for Europe and that their defeat to Sligo Rovers is already ‘out of the system’.
Clarke is adamant that Limerick can regroup and reignite their push for a European spot next season after their recent defeat to Sligo.
“We want it as a group and we want it as a club. But for that to happen we have to be beating the teams around us and Derry are one of them. Both teams know all about each other but in this league you’re guaranteed to get nothing if you don’t turn up and perform.”
DERRY CITY
The Candystripes are unbeaten in the league since their derby defeat to Finn Harps last month. They secured a respectable scoreless draw away to Galway United last weekend and will be aiming to build on this momentum in their pursuit of a European place. They face another away trip today as they travel south to the Market Field’s.
It’s been a tough period for Derry since the death of Captain Ryan McBride but they have slowly got themselves back on track after a poor run of results.
Having scored just 20 goals from their opening 12 games, Derry's league position is built on their defence, which is the third best in the league, and an away record that has seen them lose just once on the road so far this campaign.
Striker Rory Patterson remains out with an ankle fracture and midfielder Lukas Schubert is also unavailable.
Kenny Shiels outlined the clubs ambitions during the week, "We're looking for a European position.
"I still say that Limerick are one of the best teams in the league in terms of what they produce and their entertainment level.
“They're a bit like ourselves in some respect. I've seen them dominate games and not win."
"I want to go there to win and the Derry people know that. Surely it gives them a good feeling that they're going to watch their team play good football and go out to win the game if they can."
Referee: Sean Grant
MATCH STATS
Derry City have the better head to head record in recent times, winning 7 times compared to just 2 wins for Limerick with 3 stalemates.
It’s been 18 months since these two clashed at this venue with Derry winning 2-0. In fact Limerick have lost their last 5 home games against the Candystripes.
BETTING
Limerick 7/5; Draw 12/5; Derry City 15/8 .
PREDICTION
Limerick 2–1 Derry City
Limerick
Injured: Unknown
Doubtful: Unknown
Suspended: None
Derry City
Injured: Rory Patterson, Lukas Schubert
Doubtful: Unknown
Suspended: None
