League Preview: Limerick -v- Drogheda United

LIMERICK

A pivotal game in Limerick’s attempt to gain promotion back to the Premier Division via the play-offs takes place at the Markets Field on Friday night (kick-off 7.45pm).

The Blues’ stuttering league form continued as they followed up a fine 3-1 win over title-chasing Longford Town with a defeat to Bray last week.

Tommy Barrett’s side played against ten men for the better part of 40 minutes but couldn’t find a way to goal following Paul Keegan’s opener.

Tomás O’Connor misses out with a broken thumb while Darren Murphy is suspended.

DROGHEDA UNITED

Drogheda’s title chances took a big dent last week when they went down to a 2-1 defeat away to fellow contenders Longford Town.

A win would have seen Drogs move within three points of league leaders Shelbourne, however a late Sam Verdon goal saw the three points reside in the midlands.

Stephen Meaney had given Tim Clancy’s side the lead before Dylan Grimes levelled up for Longford, and Verdon headed them to victory late on.

Adam Wixted, Mark Hughes, Chris Lyons, Eoin McPhillip are all doubtful, while James Brown is definitely out, but new signing Jamie Hollywood is available.



Referee: Marc Lynch

MATCH STATS

The sides have met twice so far this season with Drogheda United taking four points from a possible six.

The first game at the Markets Field finished goalless while Drogs came out on top of a five-goal thriller in May thanks to Sean Brennan’s hat-trick.

BETTING

Limerick 10/3; Draw 13/5; Drogheda United 4/6.



PREDICTION

Limerick 1 – 1 Drogheda United

Limerick

Injured: Tomás O’Connor.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: Darren Murphy.

Drogheda United

Injured: James Brown (hand).

Doubtful: Adam Wixted, Mark Hughes, Chris Lyons, Eoin McPhillip.

Suspended: None.