League Preview: UCD - v - Waterford

UCD

The Students will be looking to make it two home wins on the bounce for the first time since August when they host Waterford at the UCD Bowl on Friday evening (kick-off is at 7.45pm).

UCD have won two of their last three outings having only picked up a point prior to their previous three games. 

A win over Finn Harps at the Bowl secured the first three points of UCD’s Premier Division campaign with a brace from Richie O’Farrell essentiallysealing the deal for Collie O’Neill’s young guns. 

Most recently, UCD secured a last gasp win over Dublin rivals Shelbourne at Tolka Park on Tuesday evening with Timmy Molloy’s thunderbolt proving to be decisive. 

However, the league is where teams are judged in so O’Neill and his young squad will be hoping that they can push on after a difficult opening start to the season for the Belfield side. 

Speaking ahead of the game with the club’s official media team, UCD boss Collie O’Neill said that he has been impressed with his side’s recent performances. 

"Our performances have been good in recent weeks,” the Drogheda native said. 

“We were very good in our last home game against Finn Harps where we secured a big 3-0 victory, and again in the second half against Shamrock Rovers last week, and then we showed great character to turn it around against Shelbourne on Tuesday."

On Friday evening’s game, the 2018 First Division manager of the year admits that he is expecting a tough encounter against Alan Reynolds’ side.   

"I'm sure Waterford will be coming here seeking revenge for last year's FAI Cup Quarter Final. They had a great win last week against Finn Harps and will be looking to push on now over the coming weeks. 

“However, we know that if we play the way we have been and can take the chances that come our way then we have every chance of picking up a good result."

WATERFORD

Alan Reynold’s side will be looking to continue their impressive string of results with a fourth win in a row when they take on ninth placed UCD on Friday evening. 

The Blues have only won four times at Belfield in the last ten years across ten visits so they will be hoping to improve upon that recent record come 9.30pm on Friday night. 

Waterford boss Alan Reynolds was an interested spectator at UCD’s win over Shelbourne in the EA Sports Cup Second Round on Tuesday evening and will undoubtedly look to produce a game-plan capable of stopping the Students playing their expansive style of play. 

Speaking ahead of Friday’s encounter at the Bowl, Reynolds admited that he is expecting a tough game against Collie O’Neill’s side who are a match for any team on their day. 

 “We did well to beat Finn Harps and then Galway on Monday and that’s the form we need to carry with us,” said Reynolds. “There’s a long way to go but we’re just looking to build on each game as it comes.

“We remember the game up there last season where they beat us (in the FAI Cup) so we know they’re a good side. They were unlucky against Rovers; we’ll be well prepared for it.”

Referee: Anthony Buttimer. 

MATCH STATS

Waterford have only conceded three goals in their last three competitive outings since their damaging 4-0 defeat to Dundalk at Oriel Park. 

UCD have found goals hard to come by in the Premier Division so far this year with only six goals to their name after seven games. In comparison to their start in the First Division last term, they already had eleven after six outings. 

This will be the sides’ first meeting in the Premier Division since 2007 with the Students coming on top on that occasion with a 2-1 win at Belfield Park. Former Republic of Ireland striker Conor Sammon and current Shelbourne winger Conan Byrne secured all three points for Pete Mahon’s side on that occasion as Waterford eventually succumbed to relegation via the Playoffs that year. 

BETTING

UCD 3/1; Draw 5/2; Waterford 5/6.

PREDICTION

UCD 2-1 Waterford 

UCD

Injured: Evan Osam.

Doubtful: Neil Farrugia, Conor Davis.

Suspended: None.

Waterford

Injured: Rory Feely, Maxim Kouogun, Kenny Browne, JJ Lunney.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.