League Preview: Limerick -v- Cabinteely

LIMERICK

Limerick head into their first ever meeting with Cabinteely knowing that a seventh consecutive First Division victory will leave the Blues ten points clear of the chasing pack.

Martin Russell should, once again  have close to a full squad to choose from, though Seamus Sharkey was hospitalised following his sides 3-0 victory over Drogheda United and is a doubt for Saturday night's fixture.

That victory marked Limerick’s second clean sheet of the campaign while it also saw Martin Russell's side's poorest goal return of just three goals.

The hosts may be tempted to make changes, with an EA Sports Cup tie against Premier Division side Wexford Youths on Tuesday offering a truer test of Limerick’s level thus far.

The contrasts between these sides in-terms of form and playing staff makes it unlikely that Limerick will suffer any dip in form.

 The Blues are looking to complete the first round of fixtures with a 100% record.  

Cabinteely

Despite a victory on the opening night against Athlone Town, Cabinteely have failed to build on it , claiming just one point from a possible 15 and being dumped out of the EA Sports Cup by fellow First Division side Shelbourne. The 25/1 odds offered on the Dublin side are large, though not surprising given the form of the two sides so far this season.

Their extremely poor away form since entering the League of Ireland last year has seen them win just once on their travels and that stat alone should make their support worried against the league’s most prolific attack.

A shining light thus far has been Ben Hanrahan, aged just 17, the attacker has found the net three times.  He will likely face up against 18-year-old centre-half Paudie O’Connor in an interesting match-up between two of the division’s youngest players.

Eddie Gormley will know that his side must be resolute in defence, though the former Bray Wanderers manager will be aware of the chances that Shelbourne and Drogheda created against the Blues while the result was in the balance. That, at least should give his side belief.

Referee: Andrew Mullally

MATCH STATS

Limerick have failed to keep a home clean sheet in a league game (excluding play-off) since October 2013, when the Blues beat  Sligo Rovers 1-0 in Thomond Park.

This is the first ever competitive meeting of the two sides.

Limerick have led at half-time in five of their six  League games so far this campaign. 

BETTING
Limerick 1/33; Draw 12/1; Cabinteely 25/1.

PREDICTION
Limerick 4-0 Cabinteely

Limerick

Injured: None.

Doubtful: Seamus Sharkey (head).

Suspended: None.

Cabinteely

Injured: Unknown.

Doubtful: Unknown.

Suspended: None.