Limerick FC look to get back to winning ways as they play host to St Patrick’s Athletic.

Limerick FC will look to put last week’s away loss to table toppers Cork City behind them, when they welcome bottom of the pile St Patrick’s Athletic to Markets Field this Saturday in the SSE Airtricity Premier Division (kick off 6.30).

The last time the two sides met at Richmond Park back in April, it was Limerick who claimed all three points thanks to goals from Tony Whitehead and John O’Flynn. While goalkeeper Brendan Clarke played a starring role against his former club that night, making a crucial penalty save against former teammate Conan Byrne.

Neil McDonald’s side have dropped to 7th in the table following Friday night’s results but can move back up to 6th, and more importantly move 9 points clear of the relegation zone with a win on Saturday.

A task that might be easier said than done though – Limerick have conceded 10 goals in their last 3 league games, with McDonald seemingly struggling to find the right balance at the back.

Speaking to the club’s official website, midfielder Paul O’Conor says he’s wary of the attacking threat posed by the visitors, and that his side won’t take league position into account coming into the game.

“They’ve got Christy Fagan and Conan Byrne – they’ve got goals in their team. We need to be aware of that. We don’t need to look at their league position at the moment – I don’t think it matters.

“We’ve just got to make sure that we go out and be professional, and try to come away with three points. We’ve got to be ready for it. There are no walkovers in this league – anyone can beat anyone. We have to turn up, especially after the result last week.”

While The Saints are currently rooted to the bottom of the table, and are without a league win in their last five outings. Their most recent loss coming last week, in the form of a 3-1 Dublin derby defeat at the hands of Bohemians.

Pats’ midfielder Conan Byrne told the club’s official twitter page that he believes that there’s enough experience in the squad to pull through this tough period and avoid relegation.

“We have a lot of experience in terms of relegation battles within the squad. Myself and Ian Bermingham have had it earlier in our careers at UCD, and we know what it takes to get out of here (relegation zone). We have to be patient, we’d ask the fans for patience as well. We need their tremendous support throughout the season and hopefully we give them a good result on Saturday.”

Goalkeeper Freddy Hall (shoulder), defenders Shaun Kelly (ankle) and Tony Whitehead (dead leg) and forward John O’Flynn (groin) are all injury doubts for Limerick ahead of the game.

The Saints are boosted by the return of Gavin Peers, Michael Barker and Patrick Cregg from suspension having missed last week’s game against Bohemians. While Darren Dennehy is out through injury and attacker Kurtis Byrne faces a late fitness test.

Referee Jim McKell.