League Preview: Cobh Ramblers -v- UCD

COBH RAMBLERS

Cobh Ramblers will look claim an early blow against their promotion rivals UCD when they entertain the Students at St Colman's Park on Friday night (kick-off 7.45pm).

Stephen Henderson's side have endured a mixed start to the season with a win, a draw and a defeat from their three games to date.

Their sole win came away to Cabinteely, while their one home game ended in a 2-0 defeat against Finn Harps.

Last week the Rams were narrow 1-0 losers against Shelbourne at Tolka Park, with the division's leading marksman David O'Sullivan doing the damage on the stroke of half time.

A win at home to UCD could propel Cobh back up into the top half of the table and back into the conversation at the right end of the league.

UCD

High-flying UCD briefly went top of the First Division following last week's 2-0 victory away to Athlone Town.

Timmy Molloy and Yoyo Mahdy were on the scoresheet as the Students eventually broke down a stubborn and determined Athlone side.

Collie O'Neill's side currently sit second in the table on goal difference owing to Drogheda's significantly better goalscoring stats (16 to UCD's six).

With Drogs facing a tricky trip to underperforming Cabinteely, a good result at Colman's could easily leave the Students top of the pile once more come 10pm.

Referee: Ray Matthews

MATCH STATS

Cobh and UCD met four times last season as both sides duked it out for an outside chance of beating Waterford to the First Division title.

Each match finished 1-0, with Cobh winning the first three games, including two at home, before UCD returned the favour in September.

BETTING

Cobh Ramblers 5/2; Draw 21/10; UCD evens.

PREDICTION

Cobh Ramblers 1 – 3 UCD

Cobh Ramblers

Injured: Unavailable.

Doubtful: Unavailable.

Suspended: None.

UCD

Injured: Unavailable.

Doubtful: Unavailable.

Suspended: None.