Preview: St Patrick's Athletic vs U.C.D.

Table toppers St. Pats will be looking to maintain their lead over the chasing pack with a win over UCD in Richmond Park on Friday night (kick-off 7:45pm). The last meeting of the teams was the League Cup match in April, when UCD won by two goals to nil.

John McDonnell is aware that UCD's recent results having not reflected the sides play, having been unlucky in a number of encounters.

"UCD have been unlucky in recent matches with a number of match decisions not going their way but they are a good footballing side as we saw in the league cup. We will have to be on our toes especially as we are currently nursing a good few injuries. UCD have always done well against us so we can expect a tight game . "

On the St Pats injury front, Damien Lynch who pulled out of last weeks’ game against Cork with a hamstring injury joins Joseph Ndo , John Frost , Joe O’Cearuill , Jamie Harris and David Partridge on the injured list at St Pat’s. Noel Haverty is likely to retain his place in the side and Glen Fitzpatrick returns from injury to the squad.

The Students only doubts are defenders Brian Shortall (ankle) and Alan Mahon (hip) who both picked up knocks in last week’s game against Bohemians. UCD manager Pete Mahon said both players are expected to be available for selection on Friday.

"It’s a big game but it’s no bigger than last week, I try not to concentrate too much on the opposition and focus on our team instead. I’m just hoping that we play well [on Friday]. If we do that they we have a chance," said the UCD manager.

Kick off is at 7:45pm.