UCD -v-Shamrock Rovers

• Conor McKeogh
• Fri, May 14 2010


Shamrock Rovers will look to secure their hold of third place in the Airtricity Premier Division on Friday when they face UCD at The Bowl on Friday evening. (kick off 7.45pm)

A win for The Students will put them ahead of the visitors, who knocked them out of the EA Sports Cup on Monday.

The Students are in a purple patch at the moment, having gone five games undefeated in the league without conceding and crushing Bray Wanderers 6-0 last week. With only three players who played Bray losing to the Hoops four days ago, Martin Russell has a fully rested squad to choose from, Billy Brennan being expected to be passed fit and Ciaran Kilduff returning on Monday night.

Hoops boss Michael O’Neill doesn’t expect an easy game however. “The game on Monday night means little coming into this match. Most of the players at UCD are at the start of their careers and are trying to build reputations for themselves in the league. And a game against Shamrock Rovers is always going to be seen as a good chance to do that.”

Rovers are without Pat Sullivan (knee) and Aidan Price (ankle) and Robert Bayly is suspended after picking up four yellow cards. Alan Mannus will start after he confirmed midweek that he will not travel with the Northern Ireland Squad on their Americas Tour.

Rovers are seeking a return to form after a 2-0 win at home against Galway United last week, with O’Neill commenting that it was good to get back to winning ways after a disappointing loss to Dundalk a week earlier: “Since that game in Dundalk, we have won twice – picking up three points in the league, and we’re still in the EA Sports Cup. Our target now is to keep that run going.”

Venue: UCD Bowl, Belfield
Paddypower.com Odds: UCD 15/8 Draw 21/10 Shamrock Rovers 5/4

UCD
Suspended: none
Injured: none
Doubtful: Billy Brennan

Shamrock Rovers
Suspended: Robert Bayly
Injured: Pat Sullivan (Knee), Aidan Price (Ankle)
Doubtful: Chris Turner (Ankle)

Extratime.ie Prediction: 1-0