League Preview: Limerick -v- Bohemians

LIMERICK

Limerick look to bounce back from the disappointment of a 1-0 defeat to Dundalk at Oriel Park on Friday night when they host Bohemians at the Market’s Field on Monday evening (kick-off 7.45pm).

The Super Blues acquitted themselves admirably in Dundalk and made it far from comfortable for the champions, only succumbing to a glorious strike from Patrick McEleney, which proved to be decisive goal.

Limerick have made a positive start to the first campaign back at the top level with a resounding 5-1 thrashing of Sligo Rovers in their opening fixture at home, including a hat-trick from new signing, Brazilian striker Rodrigo Tosi.

The Shannonsiders followed this up with a gallant display at Maginn Park against Derry City in a game that was nicely poised at 1-1 after 25 minutes, only for floodlight failure to force the match to be abandoned.

Limerick boss Martin Russell will take a lot of positives from last Friday night's defeat to Dundalk and is understandably pleased with how the new signings have integrated into the squad.

Russell knows that his side will have to be at their best to get a positive result and is fully aware of the threat that Bohemians will pose.

BOHEMIANS

Bohemians will make the trip down the M7 for a stern test against newly-promoted Limerick. The Gypsies will be hoping to build on the morale boosting 3-2 win over Bray Wanderers in a thrilling game at Dalymount Park last Friday night.

Bohs came from 2-0 down early in the second half to register their first league win of the season thanks to a brace from Dinny Corcoran and another goal from Keith Ward.

Bohemians had previously lost their first two league games at home to Derry City (1-4) and away to Shamrock Rovers (2-1) and finally stopped the rot against The Seagulls. Bohs boss Keith Long could not hide his delight in the character his players.

He told the club's website: “We had three great goals to win it. We were the better of the sides in the first half, so to go 2-0 down in the blink of an eye, it would have been easy to throw in the towel. But the lads stuck at it and never gave up, which was really pleasing.

“It’s early in the season but it was still very important that we got up and running after two defeats. Bray had won their opening two games so it was a significant win for us. It’s important we build on this now.”

“We want to build on Friday’s result now but we know that Limerick are another quality team. They’ve invested a significant amount of money in building a good squad, so it’s going to be another tough game for us. But we’re going down confident now after Friday’s performance.”

Long has a largely unchanged squad from which make selections for Monday night’s game with Dan Byrne expected to continue after a swift return to action last Friday following an ankle injury.

The only confirmed casualties are Izzy Akinade, who is still recovering from an operation to remove his spleen, and Eoin Wearen, who is out with a cruciate knee ligament injury.

Referee: Anthony Buttimer

MATCH FACTS

Limerick last met Bohemians in a competitive match in August 2015 in the Premier Division with the home side winning a 4-3 thriller at the Market’s Field.

Limerick and Bohemians have faced each other on 10 occasions in the Premier Division and FAI Cup since 2013 and there was nothing to choose between them, with both sides winning 5 times each.

Limerick scored 12 goals averaging 1.2 goals per game while Bohemians found the net 15 times averaging 1.5 goals per game.

BETTING

Limerick 8/11 Draw 13/5 Bohemians 10/3

PREDICTION

Limerick 2-1 Bohemians

Limerick

Injured: Unknown.

Doubtful: Unknown.

Suspended: None.

Bohemians

Injured: Izzy Akinade (illness), Eoin Wearen (knee).

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.