The First Division has been coming under increaseds scrutiny of late with standards, facilities and finances questioned on a weekly basis, but with the surivival of Galway United and Sligo Rovers in the Carlsberg Cup, a little breathing space has become available for then twelve lower league sides.
One particular side which will hope for a new lease of life is Athlone. Their form has been encouraging at times with eight goals hit in their last three games. Jimmy Greene must be hoping his side don't slump back into the form which saw them lose to Limerick 1-0 at the Pike Sports Ground back in May.
New signing Brendan Markey will start for Town, following the termination of his contract at Dundalk last week.
Limerick, for their credit, have overcome their financial difficulties and let their football do the talking, albeit without Stephen O'Flynn, their influential striker who is currently has an ankle injury. The Munster side are five points behind Bray Wanderers, who currently warm the last play-off position in the table.
Recent signing from Bohemians, Gareth Cooney is also unavailable with cruciate problems. Home side Town will wait on fitness reports on Eric Molloy, Stephen Kelly (knee), Shane Jackson (nose) and Michael Harney before naming their side.
ATOGB Predicition: This game should be decided by the odd goal, despite having home advantage, Athlone will do well to keep Limerick's fluent attack at bay with top scorer Derek McCarthy particularly potent at the moment. The Shannonsiders should take the three points - 2-1
Athlone Town
Founded: 1887
League Position: 12th
Form: LLLLD
Top Scorer: Stephen Kelly, Michael McCann 3
Stat: Town have the worst attacking record in the Division with 15 goals in seventeen games
Limerick FC
Founded: 1937
League Position:5th
Form: LWLWW
Top Scorer: Derek McCarthy 7, Stephen O’Flynn 6
Stat: July was a bumper month for the club, following the revelations that they were losing up to €40,000 a week, with four wins and a draw from six games and thirteen goals being scored