Limerick FC -v- UCD
Credit:
LIMERICK FC
Limerick host UCD in the Airtricity League on Friday night (kick off 7.45 pm) and the Superblues will be looking to bounce back from a 3-0 defeat to Drogheda United last week, which could, potentially, drag them into a relegation fight if they are not careful.
The result leaves them nine points off the bottom three although with a much better goal difference. But the main concern for Limerick is to get back to winning ways and claim back to back wins at Thomond for the first time this season.
Stuart Taylor is looking for his team to learn from the mistakes made in last week’s match and to take their chances, something they did not do the last time these sides met back in May. Limerick drew 1-1 in the UCD Bowl but they could have come away with maximum points according to Taylor.
“Hopefully we can create as many chances as we created in our last game against them” the Superblues manager told limerickfc.ie, “just hopefully we can put them in the back of the net this time, which I’m sure we will be able to.”
Taylor is confident that it will be an entertaining game for the supporters of both clubs as both teams like to play open football. “It’s going to be a difficult game because UCD are a good footballing side, they move the ball really well and they have got a good philosophy to their game” Taylor says, “I know it’s going to be a difficult game but, again, we have always played well against UCD because they’re quite open, the way that we are. It will be a very open and entertaining game for the supporters to come and see.”
Limerick will be helped by the return of Shaun Kelly and David O’Leary from suspension although Shane Tracy continues to miss out with a knee injury which now requires surgery. Another big boost for Limerick is the news that defender Pat Purcell is back in training, although it remains unlikely that he will return to the side for tomorrow’s game.
UCD
UCD are hoping to pick up points on the road for a third time in a row as they look to try and maintain their place in the Airtricity Premier Division. Samir Belhout scored a great goal against Derry City last week, but could not help his team as they lost 3-1. This defeat has dragged them deeper into the relegation fight, with only four points separating them, in 9th , from the bottom team, Bohemians.
It’s not all grim though as UCD’s form away from home has added some positivity as their last two results on the road were a 1-1 draw at Shamrock Rovers and a 3-1 win against Bohemians in Dalymount. They will be hoping that this form continues and that they can pick up a point like they did last time they played Limerick. The game at Belfield finished 1-1 with Robbie Benson scoring the Student’s equalizer in the second half.
What Martin Russell will be looking for from his side on Friday night, is to keep a solid defence in the first half as early goals have cost UCD a lot of games. In the past five matches, they have conceded six of the nine goals against them in the first half. Although they have fought back to claim two draws and a win in those matches, had they kept a steadier defence, there would be no need to be looking over their shoulders after every game.
UCD will be missing Mark Langtry and James Kavanagh as they serve the third game of their three match bans after being sent off against Shelbourne. On the plus side, UCD welcome back Robbie Benson after he missed last week’s game with a knee injury. Aymen Ben Mohamed misses out with a foot injury.
Referee: Robert Rogers
MATCH FACTS
Limerick have the upper hand this season, winning the first meeting between the sides, 3-1, before they drew 1-1 with UCD in the Belfield Bowl.
UCD have scored in their last eight Airtricity matches with them winning two, drawing two and losing four. Limerick, on the other hand, have won three of their last eight games, drawing one and losing four as well.
12 goals have been scored in the last three games at Thomond Park while 13 goals have been scored in UCD’s last three away games. Expect this game to be a high scoring affair.
BETTING
Limerick 5/6; Draw 9/4; UCD 7/2.
PREDICTION
Limerick 3-2 UCD
Limerick FC
Injured: Stephen McGann and Shane Tracy (Knee)
Doubtful: Pat Purcell and Brian O’Callaghan
Suspended: Robbie Williams
UCD
Injured: Aymen Ben Mohamed (Foot)
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: James Kavanagh, Mark Langtry.
