WNL Preview: UCD Waves -v- Cork City Women

UCD WAVES

UCD Waves host Cork City at Jackson Park on Sunday (kick-off 2pm) knowing a win of any kind will all but consolidate a top four finish.

The Students sit five points ahead of their opponents with five games to play and will be confident of victory after beating them 5-0 in Bishopstown a month ago.

The squad have been boosted by the inclusion of three players in the Irish squad for the forthcoming World Cup qualifier with Northern Ireland, including a first call-up for defender Claire Walsh.

And they'll look to use all their international experience to guide them home against the Rebel Army and maintain their very slim chances of challenging for the title.

CORK CITY WOMEN

Cork City haven't played a league game in four weeks thanks to FAI Cup ties and two games postponed due to international call-ups.

That break might not have been the worst thing for City, however, after they shipped defeats to the two sides in front of them, UCD and Shelbourne, in four days.

However a win this weekend would see City move back within two points of UCD in fourth place and a realistic chance of competing for a top-three spot, which would be an excellent return for the season.

“We return to league action on Sunday with an away trip to UCD,” manager Frank Kelleher told the club's media team.

“We have had a number of weeks off due to the world university games and have been working on key areas.

“We have played a number of friendly matches to keep the match intensity up. [Jackson Park is] always a tough place to go. We are looking forward to the challenge.”

Goalkeeper Amanda Budden is City's only injury concern and she will be assessed closer to kick-off, while Kelleher has no suspensions to contend with.

Referee: TBC

MATCH STATS

UCD have a 100% record against Cork City so far this season having won both home and away ties without conceding a goal.

Dearbhaile Beirne's early strike was enough to separate the sides at Jackson Park back in April.

It was a much more comprehensive scoreline in Bishopstown in August, however, as Karen Duggan scored twice and Aine O'Gorman a second-half hat-trick in a 5-0 win.

BETTING

N/A

PREDICTION

UCD Waves 2 – 1 Cork City Women

UCD Waves

Injured: Unavailable.

Doubtful: Unavailable.

Suspended: Unavailable.

Cork City Women

Injured: None.

Doubtful: Amanda Budden.

Suspended: None.