League Preview: Limerick -v- Waterford

LIMERICK

Limerick will look to win back-to-back home games for the first time since October when they welcome Waterford to the Markets Field (kick-off 7.45pm).

The Shannonsiders were hit by two late goals at Richmond Park last week as they saw their 1-0 lead over St Patrick's Athletic vanish at the hands of Conan Byrne.

The result leaves Limerick just six points above Bray Wanderers in the automatic relegation spot, with both sides banned from signing players for the rest of the season.

“It was frustrating last week,” Blues manager Tomm Barrett told the club's official website.

“You have got to go 2-0 up when you’re in that position. We have a young team and they found it tough in the second half.

“The pace of the game and the physicality of it – they’re not used to the hits. Will’s goal was definitely onside, I don’t know how it was missed.

“Waterford will be a very tough game. The last time, down there, we started great and they started poor. They also had a man sent off early which didn’t help them.

“It will be difficult for us. They’re a good side, they’ve got a good squad – they can take players off the bench, and they can rest players. We don’t have that.”

Cian Coleman returns after missing the Pats match with suspension, while Eoin Wearen is the only doubt with a minor knee injury.

WATERFORD

Waterford saw the gap between them and fourth-placed Shamrock Rovers narrow to four points as the Hoops won 1-0 at the RSC on Sunday afternoon.

Both sides have chances during an open game but it was Rovers who emerged with the points thanks to Gary Shaw's second-half header.

A trip to second-from-bottom Limerick provides an opportunity to rebuild confidence, but a 6-3 defeat to the same opposition at the RSC in May will be at the back of their minds.

“We’re looking forward to getting back on the pitch to be honest,” maager Alan Reynolds told the club's website.

“Of course we were disappointed with the result last week but we created enough chances that on another day we could have won the game.

“Putting away those chances was the difference and we’ll be looking to do that this week.

"It’s been very stop-start with the break and then no league game leading up to the Rovers game so we’ll be happy to get a nice run of games now.

"We’re focussed on Friday and the lads know what they need to do. Limerick showed last week against St Pat’s that they’re a good side and that’s what we’ll be up against.

“We need to be on our game."

John Martin and Derek Daly are injured, while Dean Walsh has joined Wexford on loan, but new signing Carlos Wilson is availabe for selection.

Referee: Damien MacGraith.

MATCH STATS

The two meetings between the sides this season have seen away wins traded, with Limerick narrowly edging goal difference.

The first game at the Markets Field saw Waterford win thanks to goals from Courtney Duffus and Paul Keegan.

The return fixture at the RSC yielded nine goals in total, with Danny Morrissey (2), Karl O'Sullivan, Mark O'Sullivan, Barry Maguire and Billy Dennehy on target for Limerick.

BETTING

Limerick 7/2; Draw 5/2; Waterford 4/7.

PREDICTION

Limerick 1 – 1 Waterford

Limerick

Injured: None.

Doubtful: Eoin Wearen.

Suspended: None.

Waterford

Injured: Derek Daly, Cory Galvin, John Martin.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

Unavailable: Renars Rode (awaiting international clearance).