League Preview: Limerick FC -v- Waterford United

Limerick will look to continue their impeccable start to the season when they welcome Waterford United to Markets Field for a Munster derby, with kick-off set for 6.30pm.

LIMERICK FC

The hosts had their toughest test of the season last weekend, but managed to escape UCD with three points and maintain their 10 point advantage over the scrambling pack. Martin Russell will have to contend without Robbie Williams who was sent-off in that game, with Tony Whitehead likely to make his first start of the season alongside Paudie O’Connor.

Russell may also flirt with resting some of his regular players, with one eye on Tuesday evenings EA Sports Cup tie against Galway United. The Super Blues did so against Cabinteely in their last home tie before dispatching of Premier Division outfit Wexford Youths in the cup.

Defender Seamus Sharkey should be nearing a return after suffering concussion, with the squad otherwise at full health.

Midfielder Paul O’Conor spoke of his sides determination to continue this impressive form, and gain promotion, “We’re aware of how important it is to beat every team and try to win every game. A lot of people might think we’re just trying to beat teams with quality but I think what we’re beating them with is hard work.”

He went on to tell Limerickfc.ie, “We work hard off the ball and make sure we’re in the oppositions faces. It’s a mixture of both and it’s working at the moment.”

Meanwhile, Sean Russell has signed back with the club but doesn’t appear to be eligible for this clash.
 

WATERFORD UNITED

Despite remaining unbeaten in four games in a row in all competitions between the end of March and beginning of April, Roddy Collins side have now fallen to four consecutive defeats ahead of a game against a side who put five past them seven weeks ago. Off field concerns can’t have helped, nor can the lengthy ban which Collins is continuing to serve.

The Club has been reported to be approximately €90,000 in debt though meetings in recent days have eased concerns, with Limerick chairman Pat O’Sullivan thanked by Waterford’s general manager Paul Cleary for his help with the matter.

On the field the side have had little joy recently, and they will be hard pressed to change their fortunes against a strong Limerick outfit.

Collins welcomes back Eoin Rhodes from suspension while veteran attacker Philly Gorman has returned to training recently, though he didn’t feature against Drogheda United last week.

Referee: John O’Loughlin

MATCH STATS

Waterford’s last visit to Shannonside saw them eliminated from the EA Sports Cup; 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in Thomond Park in 2013.

Only Shane Tracy has played every minute of League action for Limerick this season.

Both Limerick and Waterford fans have seen an average of over 4 goals per game so far this year.

BETTING
Limerick 1/8; Draw 6/1; Waterford United 12/1.

PREDICTION
Limerick 3-0 Waterford United.

Limerick

Injured: None 

Doubtful: Seamus Sharkey (head)

Suspended: Robbie Williams

Waterford United

Injured: None

Doubtful: None

Suspended: None