Limerick -v- Bohemians

LIMERICK FC

After a solid start to their first Premier Division season in nineteen years, Limerick's form has been hit and miss of late, producing no wins in their last four games. The Blues will look to correct this when Bohemians make the journey to Thomond Park on Tuesday night.

While a lot of their football has been easy on the eye, Limerick would arguably have been a lot stronger had their full compliment been available from the beginning of the season. The Limerick injury list seems to have shortened considerably this week and the only doubt hangs over the fitness of Robbie Williams. Joe Gamble will miss the game due to suspension for accumulated yellow cards.

Speaking ahead of the clash with the Gypsies, Limerick boss Stuart Taylor spoke highly of the Phisboro outfit.

“They’re a team with a lot of young players coming through, Aaron [O'Callaghan] works very well with them and they play some lovely football. They’re a difficult side to contain and they’re probably a better side than their league position suggests. They’ll be coming down to Limerick looking for three points, no question, but we’re confident that we can record a victory tomorrow.”

BOHEMIANS

After being thrashed by Derry City last Friday, Aaron Callaghan's charges will look to set the record straight on Tuesday night when they take on Limerick, with the opportunity of leap-frogging them in the league table. This will be the first of seven games the Gypsies will have to play in the next twenty-four days.

Bohemians will come into this tie without their influential captain Owen Heary who is struggling with a knee injury while attacking threat Chris Lyons will also sit out the Limerick clash. The former-UCD striker is carrying an ankle injury. Apart from that, Bohs have a full squad to call upon,  but squad management will be crucial for Aaron Callaghan as he faces huge fixtue congestion in the next three weeks.

The Bohemians boss has a lot to work on by his own admission but is determined to iron out the flaws. He said: “We played well in those games for long periods, passing the ball well,” said Callaghan. “But it’s keeping the concentration that matters. A few key moments have cost us.”

Callaghan also acknowledges that this tie is a real test; complimenting Limerick. “They seem to be finding their way in this league but they’ve brought in some experienced players and they carry goal-scoring threats. We will need to be at our best to get a result.”

Referee: Alan Kelly

MATCH STATS

Bohemians and Limerick contested an FAI Cup Final back in 1982 – the Shannonsiders won one-nil and claimed their second FAI Cup.

Bohs' record last season against newly-promoted sides was quite good – losing just one in six.

BETTING

Limerick 11/10; Draw 23/10; Bohemians 5/2

PREDICTION

Limerick to win 2-0.

Limerick

Injured: None
Doubtful: Robbie Williams
Suspended: Joe Gamble

Bohemians

Injured: Owen Heary, Chris Lyons
Doubtful: None
Suspended: None