U.C.D -v- Wexford Youths

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UCD continue their push for promotion against Wexford Youths in the Belfield Bowl on Friday(kick-off 7:45pm). After last week’s 2-2 draw with Shelbourne, UCD will be hoping to return to winning ways against Mick Wallace’s ever improving side.

For their part, Wexford will be looking for a second league win in a row. Last week, Wexford ended their barren home form. The 2-0 win over Limerick ended a three month spell without a win in Ferrycarrig Park. The Youths will also be confident of getting a result having already beaten the Students in the Bowl back in April, while they can also boast an impressive away record having won eight times on their travels.

UCD displayed great heart and spirit in their 2-2 draw in Tolka Park last week. Not only did they twice come from a goal behind, they also played out the last 30 minutes with ten men. As top-scorer Ciarán Kilduff pointed out after the game: “We know on our day, we can beat anyone in this league. We’ve got a great chance now. If we can win our remaining games, we know we’ll be up in the mix and that was our aim from the start of the season.”

UCD boss Martin Russell will be forced into making one change to his starting line-up from last week, as Brian Shorthall misses out through suspension. Ciarán Nangle is expected to replace Shorthall, though Gareth Matthews or Michael Leahy are other options available to Russell. Elsewhere, Chris Mulhall and Robbie Creevy are pushing for places having made a good impact off the bench last week. Creevy, in particular, impressed having returned to first team action last week following a two month absence with a quad injury.

For Wexford, star man Conor Sinnott returns from suspension. However, despite being available for selection again, Wexford boss Mick Wallace may be tempted to name an unchanged side following last week’s home win. If so, Chris Kenny or Robert Vickers could deputise for Sinnott.

extratime.ie Prediction: UCD have a greater need for the points than Wexford, but Mick Wallace will demand his side to give their all. Expect a tight game with good football from both sides. But considering their good form of late, UCD should shade it - 2-1 to the College.