League Preview: UCD -v- Shelbourne

After thumping Waterford United 8-1 last week, UCD face into a home clash with Shelbourne in the SSE Airtricity First Division as they aim to secure one of the two play-off spots up for grabs (kick-off 7.45pm).

UCD

UCD lie in third place, one point ahead of Cobh Ramblers and four behind Drogheda United with all three teams left to play twice more.  The Students manager Collie O’Neill is not looking past his own sides’ games, knowing that two wins will ensure a play-off spot.

“With two games left we know we have to win both. We can’t be looking to rely on other results to go our way so it is important we go and get the job done ourselves. Friday is going to be a very tough game, against a good side who are going to want to finish the season strongly.”

Reflecting on last week’s record breaking win for UCD, O’Neill was pleased at how his team created and more importantly took their chances.

“It was a crazy game really, and it was a night where everything clicked into place for us. We created a lot of chances and it was nice that we were able to finish them off.”

UCD have a full squad available for Friday’s game, with no players missing through injury or suspension.

SHELBOURNE

With two games to play, Shelbourne sit 5^th in the table, 14 points behind Cobh Ramblers and three ahead of Waterford United. It’s been a disappointing season for the Reds which has seen Kevin Doherty leave and be replaced by another former Shels defender Owen Heary.

Since the start of 2006 these teams have played each other 19 times in league games. Shelbourne have won nine (6 at Belfield), UCD have won eight (2 at Belfield), with two games drawn (1 at Belfield). Of the 52 goals scored, Shelbourne have scored 29 (12 at Belfield), with UCD scoring 23 (7 at Belfield). The average goals per game was 2.74

Manager Owen Heary will have to plan for this game without injured defenders Aidan Collins (ankle) and Adam O’Connor (groin).

The Reds have no suspensions for this game and Cian Kavanagh returns after missing out on the Limerick through suspension.

Referee: David Keeler

MATCH FACTS

Gary O’Neill has netted 16 times this season for UCD. James English is top striker for Shels with 12 goals.

The two sides have met three times in league action already this season, with UCD winning all three – 1-2, 2-0 and 1-2.

Daire Doyle has started 25 of the 26 league games Shelbourne have played this season.

BETTING

UCD 8/15; Draw 11/4; Shelbourne 4/1

PREDICTION

 UCD 2 – 1 Shelbounre

TEAM NEWS

UCD

Injured: None

Suspended: None

SHELBOURNE

Injured: Aidan Collins, Adam O’Connor

Suspended: None