League Preview: UCD -v- Athlone Town

UCD

UCD will look to bounce back from last week's defeat to Galway United when they welcome Athlone Town to the UCD Bowl (kick-off 7.45pm).

The Students saw their lead at the top of the First Division table cut to five points as Galway, Drogheda United and Finn Harps all moved level in second place.

Goals in either half from Eoin McCormack and Ryan Connolly at Eamonn Deacy Park saw Collie O'Neill's side slide to their second defeat of the season.

“After last week’s disappointment, we are back at the UCD Bowl on Friday night and will be looking to bounce straight back,” O'Neill told the club's media team.

“Galway are a very good side and really went for the game right from the off and made it very difficult for us. They were the better side on the night, so we can’t really argue with the result.”

“However, Friday is a big one for us, and it is important that we bounce back with a good performance and a positive result to keep our lead at the top of the table as we enter the final few games before the mid-season break.

Neil Farrugia remains out with a broken collarbone but Greg Sloggett and Timmy Molloy return from injury while Evan Osam could also feature for the first time this season.

ATHLONE TOWN

Athlone fell to a tenth league defeat out of 11 at home to Drogheda United on Friday night as they continue to occupy bottom position in the league.

Chris Lyons scored the game's only goal early in the second half in Terry Butler's first match since being officially appointed manager.

Athlone Town have failed to provide any team news.

Referee: TBC

MATCH STATS

UCD and Athlone have already met twice this season: once in the league and once in the EA Sports Cup.

A Georgie Kelly brace and one from Yoyo Mahdy saw the Students to a 3-1 win in Lissywollen in March.

Timmy Molloy and Mahdy again were on the scoresheet as UCD were 2-0 winners in the league cup in Belfield.

BETTING

UCD 1/25; Draw 11/1; Athlone Town 25/1.

PREDICTION

UCD 4 – 0 Athlone Town

UCD

Injured: Neil Farrugia (collarbone).

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

Athlone Town

Injured: Unavailable.

Doubtful: Unavailable.

Suspended: Unavailable.