Dundalk -v- UCD
Credit:
DUNDALK
After being washed out in Sligo last weekend, Dundalk head into this weekend looking to bounce back from their EA Sports Cup defeat to Shamrock Rovers on Tuesday night. Dundalk’s last league match was against Shelbourne a fortnight ago. Tiarnan Mulvenna’s strike gave them a 1-0 victory and ensured that they kept fourth place their own.
The Lilywhites have had a good start to the season and have so far exceeded many people’s expectations and find themselves in fourth place just behind the top three. They have also been playing some exciting football of late and with only one defeat in their last six league outings, confidence will be high in Oriel Park.
In team news, Dundalk will be without Chris Shields once more as he continues to recover from a knee injury which has hampered him for the majority of the season so far. They have no suspension worries for the match where Dundalk will be aiming for their third straight home win.
Speaking to dundalkfc.com ahead of the match, Dundalk manager Stephen Kenny was full of praise for Dundalk’s opponents but three points is his aim.
“It’s all about three points for us on Friday. UCD were very good last week against Limerick. The results over the last few weeks speak for themselves. To go to the Brandywell and score four and to beat Shamrock Rovers 2-0 means that we’re going to have to be at our best. We have two victories in Oriel Park at the minute, we want three in a row.”
UCD
UCD head to Oriel Park on a three match unbeaten run having come from behind to snatch a deserved draw against Limerick at the UCD Bowl last Friday evening. Their three match unbeaten run includes a 1-0 victory over Bohemians and a mightily impressive victory over title contenders Derry City at the Brandywell.
The Students will be hoping to make it two consecutive victories in Oriel Park having won there in their successful battle against relegation last September when they were convincing 2-1 victors. Revenge will also be on their minds as they will be looking to avenge the 2-1 defeat that Dundalk handed them in Dublin 4 back in March. A win could lift the Students to 9th in the table above Bray Wanderers.
For the match itself, UCD will be without the injured quintet of Mick Leahy, Robert Creevy, Tomas Boyle, Sean Russell and Ger Barron. The College have no suspension worries and will make the trip North in confident spirits.
Speaking to ucdsoccer.com, manager Martin Russell spoke of the impact that Stephen Kenny has had on Dundalk but warned that his side have a desire to extend their unbeaten record.
"Dundalk have equipped themselves with a competitive squad and Stephen has them organised. We want to keep our unbeaten run going so go up to Oriel Park with a real desire, looking to come away with a good performance and three points"
Referee: Sean Grant.
MATCH STATS
Dundalk will be looking to win their third home league match in a row for the first time since August-September 2008 and in the Premier Division since October-November 1995
There hasn’t been a scoreless draw between the sides since 1999 at Belfield and not one at Oriel Park since 1984!
UCD have only one win at Oriel Park in the Premier Division since 1999 and that was last September.
BETTING
Dundalk 4/9; Draw 10/3; UCD 11/2.
PREDICTION
Both sides go into this in good form but Dundalk to end UCD’s unbeaten run in a highly entertaining match. 2-1 to the home side.
Dundalk
Injured: Chris Shields (knee).
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: None.
UCD
Injured: Robbie Creevy, Ger Barron, Mick Leahy, Sean Russell and Tomas Boyle.
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: None.
