League Preview: Limerick FC -v- UCD

LIMERICK FC

Following three seasons in the Premier Division, Limerick return to the First Division, where they spent 19 years before winning promotion in 2012 under Pat Scully. Fellow Dubliner and former UCD boss Martin Russell will be hoping for a better start to this campaign after the Blues were on the back foot from the off in 2015.
 

His side should be at full strength with Aaron Greene, Seamus Sharkey, John O’Flynn and winter signing from UCD, Chris Mulhall, all in line for league debuts with the Shannonsiders. The bulk of the side should be familiar to fans with Shane Duggan one of the other former UCD connections in the Blues squad.

O’Flynn, along with Shaun Kelly have got little time under their belts in pre-season but the pair should be involved. Kelly, Shane Tracy and Garbhan Coughlan were part of the squad that won the division in 2012.

Speaking ahead of the game manager Martin Rusell had the following to say: “We are all looking forward to getting underway – there is a lot of anticipation there,” he told LimerickFC.ie.

“We want to start as well as we can.

“We have had a few injuries and illnesses and stuff like that but, all in all, the group have been bonding quite well. Ideally, you don’t want those things but that’s the case and we have to work towards getting the injured lads back as soon as we can.

“Last year, UCD had the European experience which kept them in good stead and they were challenging throughout the year. They know what the First Division is about but we have to make sure we perform better than that standard if we want to go up as Champions.”

With no suspensions, Limerick are just waiting on John O'Flynn and Shaun Kelly, who are both listed as doubful ahead of the game.

UCD

It's been another winter of change for Collie O’Neill and UCD, but despite losing a number of key players, the Students will be expected to challenge Limerick for the title. The loss of Mulhall, Mick Leahy and captain Robbie Benson means that reinforcements Brian Shortall, Cathal Brady, Kieran Marty Waters, Jason Byrne are in-line for their UCD bows.
 

The latter pair raising eyebrows around the league with their when they put pen to paper in the off-season. Waters in particular will be important, even so early in the season, with the winger proving a tricky customer for many Premier Division sides during his time at Shamrock Rovers and Bray Wanderers.
 

After falling at the penultimate hurdle last season, O’Neill and his squad will aim to go up via the direct route, by winning the division. The 40-year-old should have close to a full quota to select from in Garryowen.

 

Referee: Andrew Mullally

MATCH STATS

Limerick last played in the First Division in 2012, losing 3-1 to Wexford Youths in Jackman Park.
 

Garbhan Coughlan is looking for his third First Division winner's medal having won it in 2012 (with Limerick) and 2013 (with Athlone Town).
 

Conor O’Donnell failed to keep a clean sheet in his 17 League games with Limerick last season, before returning to UCD later in year.

BETTING
Limerick 17/20; Draw 13/5; UCD 3/1.

PREDICTION
Limerick 2-1 UCD

Limerick

Injured: None.

Doubtful: Shuan Kelly (knee), John O'Flynn (knee).

Suspended: None.

UCD

Injured: Unknown.

Doubtful: Unknown.

Suspended: None.