League Preview: Derry City - V - Limerick

DERRY CITY

Derry City will play their first competitive league fixture in 18 months at the redeveloped Brandywell Stadium on Monday night as they welcome Limerick.

A difficult start to the season was compounded in Tallaght Stadium on Friday night as Derry fell to their record League of Ireland loss as Shamrock Rovers ran out 6-1 winners.

Rory Hale came off the bench on the night to score his first goal for the club, the only positive in a gravely disappointing night.

Kenny Shields will be looking for a reaction from his players as the face to the barrel of three consecutive league games in seven days.

Speaking to the club website Shields spoke of his excitement to return ‘home’ and give the fans something to shout about.

“It's a huge occasion for the club and we're excited to be back. The players are raring to go after Friday night.

“We watched the game over again yesterday and it was almost surreal. We were the better side for the first half hour but then lost a goal just before half time.

“After that their confidence was up and they're such a good side you could see how it lifted them. It's something we'll learn from.

“We won't get too down on ourselves though. We need to do what Limerick themselves did recently and bounce back from a defeat like that.

“I'd ask the Derry public to really enjoy tomorrow night and to see how we like to play. It's very important to me that we play with a bit of style and the players know that.”

LIMERICK

Limerick bounced back from a humiliating 8-0 defeat away at Dundalk by beating Bray Wanderers 1-0 last Friday.

Danny Morrissey scored his first goal of the season to ensure that the Munster men left with all three points.

Aside from the Dundalk drubbing, Tommy Barrett’s side have made a positive start to the season.

They hold wins over Sligo Rovers and Bray Wanderers while drawing with Bohemians in their other league fixture.

Even at this early stage both teams will be eager to get points on the board ahead of a hectic fixture schedule.

Referee: Ben Connolly

MATCH STATS

Derry City ran out 3-0 winners in their last league meeting in July 17^th’s clash in Maginn Park. For the record Rory Patterson, Barry McNamee and Ben Doherty were the Derry goalscorers.

Two of last season’s three meetings ended in 1-1 draws with City winning the other game 3-0.

Derry City will play their first game in eighteen months at their ‘spiritual home’ the Brandywell after the ground underwent redevelopment.

Limerick’s last win over Derry City came in the 2016 League Cup shocking the Candystripes with a 1-0 victory at the Brandywell.

BETTING

Derry City 4/6; Limerick 4/1; Draw 13/5.

PREDICTION

Derry City 2-0 Limerick

Derry City

Injured: Chris Turner, Armin Aganovic, Gavin Peers, David Hopkirk, John Cofie.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

Limerick

Injured: None.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended:  None.