19.00 28 Mar 2015 - Jackman Park
Referee: Sean Grant
League Preview: Limerick -v- St Patrick's Athletic
- Tom Clancy
- Sat, Mar 28 2015
LIMERICK
The last week has been a widely regarded positive week for the Super Blues, with three goals, two points and now a return from suspension of their captain, Shane Duggan.
With many expecting them to struggle for the entirety of 2015, a decent point at home to Longford was quickly followed up by another in Drogheda. It could easily be two wins, with leads let slip in both games as well as failing to take advantage of an extra man in United Park.
Sean Harding is likely to miss out again, while Colm Murphy continues to nurse a hamstring injury. Shane Costelloe, who was injured against St. Pats last season, looks set to continue at right-back.
Aidan Price will continue at the heart of defence where he will be partnered by either Paudie O’Connor or Tony Whitehead. Their work will be cut out against a St. Pats side who’ll be looking to re-gain ground on Shamrock Rovers.
Dean Clarke and Vinny Faherty continue in search of their first League goals, though Sean Russell has tried his best to assist them in creating numerous chances since his return form illness.
ST PATRICK’S ATHLETIC
After finishing third last season, Liam Buckley will perhaps owe some of his sides short comings to the games played against Limerick in that campaign.
An early season draw with the Blues, followed by defeats at Thomond Park in May and Richmond Park in August meant that the Blues were the bogey side for the Inchicore outfit.
Despite the change at Limerick in the off-season, Saints fans will know that they will not have it easy against Limerick.
The much-discussed pitch at Jackman Park witnessed further use midweek, as an U17 game appeared to worsen the pitch which was criticised by Tony Cousins last weekend.
Fresh from a 2-0 win over Derry City, St. Pats will be hoping to keep the pressure on early pace-setters Dundalk and Shamrock Rovers, as they go in search of a 9th domestic title.
Liam Buckley may have to cope without Christy Fagan, Jason McGuinness and Ger O’Brien. However Killian Brennan and Conor McCormack are set to return from suspension, therefore it would be hard to back against Pats picking up their first points on the road at the third time of asking.
Referee: Sean Grant
MATCH STATS
Shane Costelloe made his League of Ireland debut against St. Pats in early 2013.
St. Pats last kept a clean sheet on their travels in August 2014 when they beat Derry City 1-0.
Conor O'Malley kept his 11th League of Ireland clean sheet against Derry City on Tuesday, in what was his 27th League game.
BETTING
Limerick 10/1; Draw 4/1; St. Patricks Athletic 3/10.
PREDICTION
Limerick 0-2 St. Patrick’s Athletic
Limerick
Injured: Colm Murphy (hamstring).
Doubtful: Sean Harding.
Suspended: None
St. Patricks Athletic
Injured: None.
Doubtful: Jason McGuinness, Ger O'Brien, Christy Fagan (hip flexor).
International Duty: Jamie McGrath.
About Tom Clancy
Introduced to the League of Ireland in 2005, Tom has seen Limerick play at four different grounds down the years. He began writing for Extratime in late 2013 and was delighted to report on the …