UCD -v- Dundalk

Credit:

Top of the table Dundalk FC travel to South Dublin this Saturday to take on Martin Russell’s UCD side at the UCD Bowl. Kick-off 7.45pm.

UCD have already had some great results this season in their return to the top flight, taking points from St Pats, Sporting Fingal, Shamrock Rovers and reigning champions Bohemians.

Manager Martin Russell was full of praise for his team’s performance last week as the Students fought back to take a point from Galway Utd at Terryland Park.

Despite losing to 3-0 against Dundalk at Oriel Park earlier on in the season, Russell predicts a closer came when the two sides meet at the Bowl.
“They were impressive at Oriel Park,” Russell said. “But we can do better and, with the playing surface at the Bowl improving all the time, I predict a closer call on Saturday.

UCD will be without Andy Boyle who is with the Ireland Under-19’s in Ukraine but otherwise Russell has a full squad to choose from. Midfielder Greg Bolger will join back up with the squad after he played with the Ireland under-23 side against England in Waterford on Wednesday evening.

Dundalk hold a one point lead over St. Patrick’s Athletic at the top of the table with eight wins from their 15 games so far. Away from home, Dundalk have won four from seven games so far, drawing one and losing the remaining two games.

Shaun Kelly, Garry Breen and Ross Gaynor all played with the Ireland Under-23’s on Wednesday in their 2-1 defeat to England in the RSC in Waterford. Kelly and Breen return to the squad, but Gaynor is suspended having picked up four yellow cards this season.

Venue UCD Bowl
Referee: R. Winter
paddypower.com odds: UCD 8/5 Draw 21/10 Dundalk 6/4

UCD
Injured: None
Unavailable: Andy Boyle
Suspended: None

Dundalk
Injured: Not Available
Doubtful: Not Available
Suspended:Ross Gaynor