League Preview: Limerick -v- Cobh Ramblers

LIMERICK

Sixth-placed and play-off chasing Limerick host seventh-placed Cobh Ramblers on Friday night in a Munster Derby (kick-off is at 7.45 pm).

Following a single win in their last five games, Limerick are simply in ‘must-win’ territory if they are hoping to make the play-offs come the end of the season.

Last Friday night, the Superblues fell to a heavy 4-1 defeat to Drogheda United at Market’s Field.

Recent recruit Clyde O’Connell gave the home side a half-time lead after five minutes.

However, second half strikes from Jamie Hollywood, Jake Hyland, Mark Doyle and Ryan O’Shea gave Tim Clancy’s side all three points, as well as condemning Limerick to their second home defeat, and seventh overall, of the season.

Tommy Barrett’s men have a good record at home. They have won six, drawn three and lost just two of their 11 games so far.

A win in front of their own fans will be significant for the hosts in their quest to finish in the play-offs and to reel in the teams above them in the table.

Limerick have not released any team news ahead of the game.

COBH RAMBLERS

Seventh-placed Cobh come into this game having drawn 1-1 at home to bottom-of-the-table Wexford on Saturday night.

In a first half dominated by the home side, Ramblers struck first through Cian Leonard in the 27th minute. 

For all their dominance they could not extend their lead and were made to pay when Wexford’s Danny Furlong capitalised on a defensive mistake by Charlie Lyons to tie the game up before the break. 

Speaking to sseairtricityleague.com after the game, Interim Head Coach Stuart Ashton had mixed emotions.

“We are disappointed. It’s the old cliché of a game of two halves. First half we did ok but not as good performance wise as we can play. We did have chances to win at and go further ahead at 1-0 up. I think at 2-0, we would have been better. 

"At 1-0, we let them back in it and we seemed to sit back and invite them on. You can’t legislate for the individual error that cost us a goal but that’s a learning experience for our player.

Cobh let 18-year old forward Jaze Kabia and 21-year-old midfielder Denzil Fernandes join Shelbourne last week, so their attacking options are seriously depleted.

As well as Kabia and Fernandes leaving, 23-year-old midfielder Stephen Christopher announced that he left the club during the week after making over 100 appearances. Shane O Connor also left the club earlier this month.

Referee: Alan Patchell.

MATCH STATS

Both sides’ have met each other 16 times in the First Division since 2007. Limerick won nine of those, Cobh won five, while there have been two draws.

There has been an average of 3.1 goals per game from those 16 games.

Limerick have lost their last two games, while Cobh are unbeaten in two themselves.

The two sides’ have met each other three times so far this season. Limerick won both the league games (3-1 in March and 3-2 in May), while Ramblers beat the Shannonsiders 3-1 back in mid-March in the League Cup.

The last time the Rams beat Limerick away from home was in July 2016, when they won 1-0.

BETTING

Limerick 5/6; Draw 12/5; Cobh Ramblers 13/5

PREDICTION

Limerick 2-2 Cobh Ramblers

Limerick

Injured: Unavailable. 

Doubtful: Unavailable.

Suspended: Unavailable.

Cobh Ramblers

Injured: Unavailable.

Doubtful: Unavailable.

Suspended: Unavailable.