League Preview: Limerick -v- Finn Harps

• Dave Donnelly
• Fri, Sep 01 2017




LIMERICK

Limerick welcome Finn Harps to the Market's Field (kick-off 7.45pm) in a rich vein of form, having won three of their last four games in all competitions.

 

The most recent of those wins came six days ago against tonight's opponents, as David O'Connor's second-half header fired Limerick into the quarter-finals of the FAI Cup.

 

A win over Bohemians at home two weeks ago was Neil McDonald's side's first league win in seven, however, and crucially it lifted them four points clear of the drop zone.

 

All three of those recent wins have come with clean sheets as well, and Limerick will be confident of continuing that run as they welcome Ollie Horgan's side once again.

 

 

FINN HARPS

Finn Harps will look to turn around their luck as they fell to a second consecutive defeat on Shannonside last week.

 

Caolan McAleer's early red card was a bitter blow for Harps, who had little chance once they went down to ten mne.

 

“We’re up against it going to the Markets Field again after losing to Limerick in the FAI Cup last week,” Ollie Horgan told the club's media team.

 

“But this is league and we have to be brave and go for it as we need the points.

 

“Neil McDonald has definitely steadied the ship with the league win over Bohemians a couple of weeks ago and they seem to have tightened up at the back which is going to make it difficult for us to break them down.”

 

Gareth Harkin and McAleer both miss out through suspension while Packie Mailey is out injured. Damien McNulty is a doubt ahead of kick-off.

 

 

Referee: Ben Connolly.

 

 

MATCH STATS

The sides have met three times this season in all competitions.

 

The most recent meeting was last week at the same venue in the FAI Cup as Limerick won 1-0 thanks to David O'Connor's second-half header.

 

Harps have the upper hand in the league, however, having drawn the first game in Limerick 1-1 before winning 3-2 at Finn Park.

 

 

BETTING

Limerick 19/20; Draw 12/5; Finn Harps 3/1.

 

PREDICTION

Limerick 1 – 1 Finn Harps

 

 

Limerick

Injured: Unavailable.

Doubtful: Unavailable.

Suspended: None.

 

Finn Harps

Injured: Packie Mailey.

Doubtful: Damien McNulty.

Suspended: Caolan McAleer, Gareth Harkin.