FAI Cup Preview: Bluebell United -v- Limerick FC

Despite being drawn at home to Limerick, Bluebell United have opted to visit Markets Field for this Cup tie with the First Division leaders.

BLUEBELL UNITED

Leinster Senior League side Bluebell face a fifth League of Ireland side this season, having already beaten Cabinteely and Drogheda United in cup action only to be eliminated from the EA Sports Cup and Leinster Senior Cup at the hands of UCD and Bray Wanderers.

Andy Noonan’s side are still in-line to regain their Leinster Senior League crown, having beaten Glenville on Wednesday night. 

The Nass Road based outfit enjoyed a comfortable 5-0 victory over Cork side Carrigaline United in round one but Noonan will be well aware of the huge step-up in quality that Limerick present. They did take Derry City to a replay in 2013, only to fall to the odd goal in three at the Brandywell.

United will be without Peter Sherlock, Ger Rowe and Ajibola Sule. Club captain Tony Keeler is also side-lined. Noonan and his troops will be hard pressed to become one of the non-league representatives in the third round.

LIMERICK

Fourteen wins in a row. There is little more that can be said for Martin Russell’s side who head into this game in immaculate form. His side have advanced to the last four of the EA Sports Cup while enjoying a 12 point advantage over Drogheda United in the second tier.

Back-to-back 3-0 wins with a weakened line-up further emphasises the dominance they hold over their competition, and how their defence appears to be improving each week.

The Super Blues look likely to be without Garbhan Coughlan, Seamus Sharkey and Captain Shane Duggan. With only two games after this tie until the mid-season interval, Limerick may rotate players ahead of the trip to Shelbourne on Sunday week.

Limerick’s free-scoring attack will look to exploit the width of an immaculate Markets Field once more, a ground where they’ve found the net 34 times in 9 home games this season, including 12 in their last three in all competitions.

Referee: Kevin O’Regan (Kerry)

MATCH STATS

John O’Flynn has netted 9 First Division goals having started just three games.

Limerick (United) beat Bluebell on their way to FAI Cup glory in 1982, their last FAI Cup triumph.

Bluebell last featured in the FAI Cup in 2014, having lost 3-2 to Phoenix FC.

BETTING

Bluebell United 20/1; Draw 7/1; Limerick 1/10.

PREDICTION

Bluebell United 0-4 Limerick

Bluebell United
Injured: Tony Keeler, Peter Sherlock, Ger  Rowe, Ajibola Sule
Doubtful: Jordan Keegan, Sean Byrne
Suspended: None

Limerick
Injured: Garbhan Coughlan (knee), Shane Duggan
Doubtful: Seamus Sharkey (head)
Suspended: None