League Preview: Drogheda United -v- UCD

DROGHEDA UNITED

After falling to a cruel defeat at home to Longford Town last time out, Drogheda United welcome UCD to United Park on Friday evening (kick-off is at 7.45pm).

The Boynesiders defeat last time out has seen them drop to fourth in the First Division table – with their opening day win over Cobh Ramblers keeping them at the top end of the table.

Tim Clancy made seven new signings during the off-season, with one being former UCD midfielder Richie O’Farrell who is relishing his latest text against his former employers.

“I'm looking forward to the next game, not so much because it's against UCD, but more so because we need to respond to the other night,” O’Farrell told extratime.ie.

“I know most of them (UCD) quite well from playing alongside them and they've got plenty of quality players throughout their team.

“They'll look to play football as they always do, so it should be a good game and we'll need to prepare well for it, but for me it doesn't change anything about how I'll approach it,” the midfielder added.

In team news, Luca Gratzer remains sidelined with a foot injury suffered in pre-season while Brandon Bermingham is suspended after being shown a red card against Longford last week.

Jordan Adeyemo (back injury) is hopeful of returning from injury while midfielder Mark Hughes has stepped up his recovery and may also return to the squad.

UCD

After battling past the challenge of Cobh Ramblers last time out – UCD make the trip to the banks of the Boyne to face Drogheda United at United Park.

“There has been a lot of change here,” UCD forward Yoyo Mahdy told extratime.ie after last week’s win over Cobh. “A lot of players have gone, graduated, finished and moved on. We have a lot of young lads coming in as well.

“You saw Evan Weir in his second game for us and I thought he did really well. We’re always going to be a young team and I think we’re going to do well this season.”

With 77 appearances to his name with UCD – Mahdy has now found himself catapulted into the role of a senior player with the club at just 22 years of age.

“I was only saying that to the lads there (he laughs)! I’ve got the second most appearances on the team now, and I’m only 22 as well.

“In a way it’s good with the experience I have that I can talk to the younger players but at the same time I do feel really young and I’m not sure if I’m used to the weight on my shoulders.”

But looking ahead to 2020 – Mahdy is hopeful his side can prove the doubters wrong as they did in 2018.

“People will write us off right from the off,” he added. “They won’t think we have anything to offer but we showed tonight that we can battle and win games.

“Drogheda are always a good side, especially this year – they’re one of the favourites to win the First Division.

“We know it’s going to be a tough game so if we apply ourselves, I think we can get a good result out there.”

The Students have yet to release team news ahead of their trip to the Co. Louth venue on Friday evening.

Referee: Adriano Reale.

MATCH STATS

Last week’s result for Drogheda, coupled with the win away to Cobh in the first game of the season now sees them sitting fourth in the First Division on three points after two games, a point behind Friday night’s opponents, UCD.

The Students won on their last trip to United Park by three goals to nil, with Conor Davis netting a hat-trick after joining the club from Championship side Reading.

BETTING

Drogheda United 4/7; Draw 11/4; UCD 7/2.

PREDICTION

Drogheda United 2 - 1 UCD

Drogheda United

Injured: Luca Gratzer (foot).

Doubtful: Jordan Adeyemo (back), Mark Hughes.

Suspended: Brandon Bermingham.

UCD

Injured: N/A.

Doubtful: N/A.

Suspended: None.