League Preview: UCD -v- Wexford

UCD

Top-of-the-table UCD host Wexford in Belfield on Friday night (kick-off 7.45pm) looking to extend their lead as the second round of games kick in.

With second and third-placed Drogheda United and Shelbourne playing each other at United Park, the Students could finish the night as many as four points clear at the top.

Collie O'Neill's side made it six wins from eight last Saturday with a hard-earned 2-0 win away to highly-fancied Longford Town.

Georgie Kelly scored twice in the second half to make it eight for the season for the Donegal striker, second only to Shelbourne's Davy O'Sullivan.

“I was delighted with our performance last week against Longford,” O'Neill told the club's media team.

“We really took the game to them, created some good chances, and most importantly Georgie took them very well when they came.

“I was very pleased with how we defended. It’s been one of our big strengths this season, we didn’t give them many clear chances and that gives you a great platform to win when you have a striker in the form that Georgie is in.

“Wexford will be coming into this game with confidence after a big 7-0 win last weekend, so we know we are going to have to be at our best if we are to pick up the three points and stay top of the league.”

Evan Osam is back in training following an ankle injury but the game will come too soon for him, while Neil Farrugia (collarbone) and Timmy Molloy (knee) are also out.

WEXFORD

Wexford picked up their second win of the season last Friday when they trounced bottom-placed Athlone Town 7-0 at Ferrycarrig Park.

Shane Barnes scored a hat-trick on the day he broke his goalscoring duck, while Aaron Dobbs and Dean George each grabbed a double in an emphatic win.

The result moved Wexford to within a point of eighth-placed Cobh Ramblers and within touching distance of Cabinteely just above them.

"Great performance last week and it was great to see us put away half our chances,” manager Damian Locke told the club's official website.

“I've said for weeks we've been competitive most games and creating chances but now I believe the boys will start firing and kick us up the table."

“UCD will obviously bring a different challenge but its one we are looking forward to.

“We will go into the game with all the expectation on UCD to pick up the three points but hopefully we can bring another good performance this Friday and if we do, I'm positive they won't have it easy."

Captain Ross Kenny returns to action after missing the Athlone game with suspension, but John Morgan, Conor Sutton and Owen Wall are all doubts.

Referee: Adriano Reale.

MATCH STATS

The home match between these sides, originally scheduled for the second round of fixtures in March, has been re-fixed for May 7^th at Ferrycarrig Park.

UCD held the upper hand from the four meetings last season, winning 1-0 and 2-0 at home and drawing both games in Wexford.

BETTING

UCD 2/7; Draw 7/2; Wexford 7/1.

PREDICTION

UCD 3 – 0 Wexford

UCD

Injured: Neil Farrugia (collarbone), Timmy Molloy (knee), Evan Osam (ankle).

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

Wexford

Injured: None.

Doubtful: John Morgan, Conor Sutton, Owen Wall.

Suspended: None.