League Preview: UCD -v- Dundalk
Credit:
UCD
Following on from Monday's 2-0 defeat away to Shamrock Rovers, UCD face yet another difficult assignment when they host a Dundalk side who will be brimming with confidence after recent comprehensive wins over St. Patrick's Athletic and Derry City.
Despite Monday's defeat in Tallaght bringing an end to a three game unbeaten streak, UCD supremo Aaron Callaghan is confident his side can get back on track and provide Stephen Kenny's team with stiff opposition on Friday night.
“After the defeat against Rovers, we will be looking to bounce back against Dundalk. As injuries begin to hit the squad it will give some of the other players a chance. Our performances lately have been very good, but we are now in a tough run of fixtures, however we are confident of picking up some points and maintaining our good position in the league.”
The injuries Callaghan spoke of include that of recent absentees Ian Ryan (foot) and Aymen Ben Mohamed (knee) whilst doubts also linger over the availability of utility player Mark Langtry.
DUNDALK
Dundalk will travel to Dublin 4 on Friday looking for a victory which would at the very least ensure they finish the night level on points at the top of the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division table.
Unbeaten since a crushing 4-1 derby at the hands of Drogheda United on the opening day of the league season, Dundalk will be heavily fancied to come away from Belfield with another three points added to their current tally of 13.
Although confident of notching up a third win on the trot, manager Stephen Kenny is taking nothing for granted. Speaking ahead of Friday night's meeting with the Students, Kenny told dundalkfc.com: “We have had some great results but we respect UCD. They are a good side and have got some good results to start the season. Belfield is always a difficult place to go.”
The only injury concern for Dundalk is midfielder John Mountney who looks set to miss out for the second time during the space of a week. On a positive note for the Oriel Park side, Darren Meenan comes back into contention for a starting place having recovered from the knock that restricted him to a substitute appearance against Derry on Monday whilst long-term absentee Keith Ward returns to the fold having played a part in a midweek friendly with Irish League outfit Warrenpoint Town.
Referee: Rob Rogers
MATCH STATS
In the 47 league meetings between these two sides, Dundalk have generally held the upper hand with 21 wins compared to UCD's 14. The remaining twelve fixtures finished in draws.
UCD manager Aaron Callaghan won his one and only FAI Cup winners’ medal with the Lillywhites back in 2002 when the County Louth club defeated a Stephen Kenny managed Bohemians outfit in the final.
The last time this fixture finished scoreless was way back in January 1999 when the two sides played out a stalemate at Belfield Park.
BETTING
UCD 2/1; draw 31/10; Dundalk 2/5
PREDICTION
A 2-1 victory for Dundalk
UCD
Injured: Ian Ryan (foot), Ayman Ben Mohamed (knee)
Doubtful: Mark Langtry
Suspended: None
Dundalk:
Injured: None
Doubtful: John Mountney
Suspended: None
