League Preview: Limerick -v- St Patrick's Athletic

LIMERICK

Limerick host St. Patrick's Athletic at Market's Field on Saturday evening (KO 6.30pm), as Martin Russell's men continue their great escape atttempt. Having hammered Drogheda United 4-1 last Friday, they are now only 4 points adrift at the bottom of the table.

After only 15 minutes in last week's game Limerick had already built a three goal lead, and by half time all the game's goals had been scored as Limerick maintained their three goal cushion. However that game is in the past now and Martin Russell is firmly focused on what lays ahead.

"On the run-in, we have seven games to go and 21 points to play for – each and every point is valuable. We know that and we want to be right there come the end and have a chance of looking forward to Premier Division football again next year. Each and every point is going to be hard to get, not just for us but for everybody else. We’re going to give it our best shot."

Former St. Pat's player Lee J Lynch, now in his second spell at Limerick is also looking ahead to the remainder of the season, and he insists the team are really positive about staying in the Premier Division.

“We’ve all just clicked really well. We’re all working hard, we’re feeling very good and sharp, and in the past five games we’ve won four and drawn one. It’s great that we have given ourselves an opportunity to stay in the league. We’re taking it game-by-game. We’re going to try to make sure that we stay safe.”

Martin Russell must plan without the suspended pair of Robbie Williams and Paudie O'Connor, and therefore will have to make changes in defence. Shane Duggan returns from suspension having missed the Drogheda United game, while Dean Clarke should be available, having recovered from a hamstring injury that kept him out of the previous game.  

ST PATRICK’S ATHLETIC

Liam Buckley's side travel to Munster for the second time in a week having suffered a heavy defeat against Cork City on Monday night. With confidence levels low but the European qualification stakes high, the Saints must pick themselves up for what will be a difficult tie.

St. Pat's currently sit in fourth place and outside the Europa League qualification places. A League Cup final awaits the Saints in two weeks' time, but success in the League Cup will not earn Liam Buckley's men a place in Europe next season.

Therefore the league must remain an important focus for the Saints as the financial reward from a European campaign is vital. A win tomorrow against Limerick will help that cause.

Chris Forrester officially left the club last Saturday, as he moved to English side Peterborough United. His creativity, dynamism and goal scoring ability will be sorely missed, and indeed there is a big test for the Saints going forward without his presence.

The most important concern right now for Liam Buckley must be his side's dismal form. Having recently won 9 consecutive league games, the Saints are suffering from the taste of defeat. Securing a league win tomorrow could be vitally important before taking on Galway United in the League Cup final in two weeks’ time, if the Saints are to go in confident of securing a trophy this season.

In positive news for Buckley ahead of this game, Aaron Greene returns from suspension, having been unavailable for selection against Cork. However, Buckley will have to continue without the injured Christy Fagan, while Ian Morris remains a doubt along with Killian Brennan who has a groin problem.

Referee: Graham Kelly.

MATCH STATS

Limerick are unbeaten in their last five games, winning four of those fixtures. St. Patrick's Athletic have suffered three successive league defeats, and four consecutive losses in all competitions.

St. Pat's have already beaten Limerick twice this season. A narrow 2-1 away victory at Jackman Park in March was followed up by a more convincing 3-1 victory at Richmond Park in June.

Aaron Greene scored in the previous two games, including both goals in the 2-1 victory in Jackman Park. He will likely lead the line for St. Pat's and hope to score his fourth goal against Martin Russell's side this season.

Last season Limerick registered two wins and a draw against St. Pat's, and they'll be hoping with improved form they can reproduce one of those results in their first game against St. Pat's in the redeveloped Market's Field.

BETTING

Limerick 7/2; Draw 3/1; St. Patrick's Athletic 4/6.

PREDICTION

Limerick 2 – 2 St. Patrick's Athletic.

Limerick

Injured: None.

Doubtful: Dean Clarke.

Suspended: Robbie Williams, Paudie O'Connor.

St. Patrick's Athletic

Injured: Christy Fagan (knee).

Doubtful: Ian Morris, Killian Brennan (groin).

Suspended: None.