League Preview: Shelbourne -v- Limerick

Shelbourne will host the all-conquering champions Limerick in their penultimate home game at Tolka Park in the SSE Airtricity First Division on Friday evening (kick-off 7.45pm).

SHELBOURNE

Shelbourne will be striving to end their disappointing league campaign on a high by thwarting Limerick’s push to stay unbeaten for the whole season. Shels have nothing to play for with just three league matches left but a run of positive results for manager Owen Heary’s side to round off the season will give much needed confidence as they look to build for next season.

Shelbourne’s unbeaten run of three league games came to an abrupt end last Friday night at the hands of playoff chasing Drogheda United who came out 2-0 winners thanks to a goal in each half from Adam Wixted.

Shels had won two and drawn one of their previous three league games but have been somewhat inconsistent with two wins, one draw and three defeats in their last six.

Boss Owen Heary will have some absentees through injury to contend with having to do without the services of defender Aidan Collins (shoulder), while second top scorer Jamie Doyle (hamstring) and James Brown (groin) are both doubtful. Cian Kavanagh will be unavailable due to suspension.

LIMERICK

Limerick make the trip to the capital to continue their attempt to go unbeaten all season in the SSE Airtricity First Division by taking maximum points with them back to the Mid-West.

The Shannonsiders will be licking their wounds after the disappointing 4-1 defeat to St. Patrick’s Athletic in the EA Sports Cup final last Saturday evening at the Market’s Field. Despite taking an early lead thanks to a goal from Lee Lynch and more than holding their own against St.Pat’s for more than an hour they were undone by an equaliser from Christy Fagan and three late strikes.

The Super Blues have lost just one other game in their last 6 games in league and cup coming yet again at the hands of St. Patrick’s Athletic with a 2-0 defeat at Richmond Park in the FAI Cup in August. Martin Russell’s side have won 3 and drawn one of their remaining games.

Limerick boss Russell is hoping the prospect of bridging an 89 year gap to emulate the Shamrock Rovers team of 1927 will be incentive enough for his side to bounce back, telling www.limerickfc.ie: “It is a motivation that we will use. We’re still looking to move things on. We’re not going to be happy with the season just petering out. We want to play well to the end of the season.”

Russell has some injury headaches ahead of the trip to Drumcondra with right-back Shaun Kelly (arm ) and winger Stephen Kenny (ankle) joining long-term casualty Seamus Sharkey (head) on the sidelines. Midfielder Val Feeney is available once again for selection after being cup-tied last week.

Referee: Simon Rogers

MATCH FACTS

The sides have met each other on three occasions earlier this season with Limerick coming out on top each time thanks to a 5-1 win at the Market’s Field, a thrilling 4-3 win at Tolka Park and a 2-0 win in their previous meeting.

Shelbourne and Limerick have clashed 23 times in the league since 2006 with Shelbourne winning 8 (3 at Tolka Park), Limerick winning 10 (4 at Tolka Park), and 5 draws (4 at Tolka Park).

There have been 65 goals scored with Shelbourne netting 31 (17 at Tolka Park), and Limerick bagging 34 (19 at Tolka Park). There has been an average of 2.83 goals scored per game.

BETTING

Shelbourne 5/1 Draw 7/2 Limerick 2/5

PREDICTION

Shelbourne 1-3 Limerick

Shelbourne

Injured: Aidan Collins.

Doubtful: Jamie Doyle, James Brown.

Suspended: Cian Kavanagh.

Limerick

Injured: Seamus Sharkey, Shaun Kelly, Stephen Kenny.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.