Limerick FC face daunting task against premier division leaders Dundalk

Limerick FC face high flying Dundalk at the Markets Field on Friday night in the Airtricity League Premier Division (kick-off 7.45). Limerick are currently ninth in the league and a promotion/relegation playoff looks most likely for the club with seven games remaining. In contrast, Stephen Kenny’s Dundalk are currently three points clear at the top of the table with a game in hand on closest rivals Cork City.

Tommy Barrett’s team enter the game off the back of a 2-1 victory over Cabinteely in the Irish Daily Mail FAI Cup last Friday night. Goals in either half from Conor Ellis and Barry Maguire put Limerick in the ascendancy before a late Kevin Knight goal caused anxiety for home supporters. The visitors almost equalised through centre back Jack Tuite but the Shannonsiders held on to progress to the quarter final.

With five changes made to the starting line-up last week, Barrett will be hoping that Killian Cantwell will return from injury, especially as fellow defender Eoin Wearen limped off early and is unlikely to feature. Captain Shane Duggan is back from suspension while at least one of Karl O’Sullivan or Will Fitzgerald are likely to start after being used as substitutes in the cup game.

The Super Blues have used a diamond 4-4-2 formation in recent weeks having favoured a 4-2-3-1 for much of the campaign. Against the league leaders, the energy exerted by midfield duo Darren Murphy and Cian Coleman will be vital to stopping a lethal attacking side. Also, Conor Ellis, Will Fitzgerald and Barry Maguire must attempt to pressurise the Lilywhites defence in order to keep them occupied. The Limerick management team attempted to set up with a compact style in Oriel Park earlier this year and were thrashed 8-0 as a result. Barrett has conceded that the style does not suit his side and hasn’t worked all season.

Furthermore, the Limerick native has admitted that Limerick have competed against every team in the premier division at some stage but have found it extremely difficult against Dundalk.

“Of course we are up against it. I think they have scored 15 goals against us and we have scored none so of course we are up against it. We need to keep it as tight as possible for as long as possible and cut out silly errors.”

Barrett is calling for patience with his young team on Friday night. He has also backed Dundalk to win the league this season.

“I feel from an attacking point of view, Dundalk hurt you more (than Cork). They are ruthless and can score four or five goals. Dundalk have more firepower and that’s what is going to win it for them.”

The teams have met on three occasions already this season. In Oriel Park in February, Limerick were on the end of an 8-0 hammering. At the Markets Field in April, the Lilywhites beat the Shannonsiders 3-0 courtesy of goals from John Moutney, Patrick Hoban and Michael Duffy. In June, Dundalk compiled more misery on Tommy Barrett’s side as a Hoban hattrick and a goal from Krisztian Adorjan gave the league leaders a comprehensive 4-0 victory.