League Preview: Sligo Rovers -v- Limerick

SLIGO ROVERS

Sligo Rovers take on Limerick on Saturday night in The Showgrounds in the SSE Airtricity Premier Division (kick-off 7.45pm).

The Bit O' Red begin the second series of fixtures looking to avenge a defeat to the Super Blues in February. Rovers currently sit second from bottom but a win against Limerick would propel them to eighth.

The game marks manager Gerard Lyttle’s first home league game in charge and after two weeks at the club he is seeing improvements.

“I've been here two weeks and I see we are starting to press better and are improving as we become more familiar and get more ideas across. We have quite a settled team which is a positive and as I have stressed a couple of times, we need to build momentum.

"There was a disappointment after losing a penalty shootout to Galway. We created more chances, had a goal incorrectly ruled out from our view and we were the better team. We switched off after we scored and there are lessons in taking your opportunities and having concentration at all times.

"The 5-1 defeat to Limerick was a painful experience for everyone I imagine. We watched them last week against Derry so we got to see their shape in person and I'm going to ensure we stick to our own game plan and play our game against them.

"It will take time but we've had a good week of training, the mood is good and are making chances in games like we did in Drogheda and against Galway. We need to improve to start winning games and and that's our aim for Saturday."

In team news, Daniel Kearns is ruled out with an ankle problem.

LIMERICK

Limerick are currently sitting in fifth in the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division and a win on Saturday would see them leapfrog Derry City and sit two points behind last year’s Champions Dundalk. It’s been a strong start for the promoted sides return to the top flight.

Last week the Superblues travelled to Tallaght where they secured a 1-1 draw. In fact, their last three league fixtures have ended in the same scoreline. Overall they have only been beaten twice in the last nine competitive fixtures and both teams were against Cork City (3-0 in the league and 3-0 in the EA Sports Cup).

Talking to limerickfc.ie, defender Tony Whitehead is aware of the challenge Sligo Rovers will pose on Saturday.

“We’re not under any illusions after the last time we played Sligo. It’s going to be a completely different game. But we have an extra day’s training with the game on Saturday. We’re looking to build on last week and hopefully get the three points.

“We’re unbeaten in five games. I don’t think too many teams have gone on a five-match unbeaten run this season. It has been good. It’s good to get new ideas off new managers, and someone with Willie’s experience has been very helpful so far.”

Winger Ian Turner, who scored in the opening-day win over Sligo, is back in the Limerick squad along with Stephen Kenny for Saturday’s trip to The Showgrounds. Midfielder Paul O’Conor (calf), who was forced off in the first half of the draw with Shamrock Rovers, is fit again. Defender Shane Tracy (knee) remains out.

MATCH STATS

Limerick have the second best defence in the league conceding 10 goals in 11 games. Sligo Rovers have let in double that tally in the same number of games played.

Since the 18^th March, Limerick have only lost one league game – a 3-0 defeat to Cork City on the 31^st March.

BETTING

Sligo Rovers 11/5; Draw 12/5; Limerick 6/5

PREDICTION

Sligo Rovers 2 – 2 Limerick

Sligo Rovers

Injured: Daniel Kearns

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

Limerick

Injured: Shane Tracy (knee)

Doubtful: None

Suspended: None