League Preview: Finn Harps -v- UCD
Finn Harps
For Finn Harps this is a game that will see them guaranteed of a top two finish and at least a playoff place with a win over their closest rivals.
With Wexford Youths having all but secured their place in the Airtricity Premier Division next season only to be denied the honour of being crowned champions thanks to victory last time out for the Harps over Cobh Ramblers in a tightly contested affair.
With tough encounters to come against Athlone Town and Wexford, the Harps know that a defeat will leave them just two points ahead and cast a shadow of doubt over their playoff ambitions.
UCD
UCD will need little reminding of the significance of this playoff six pointer at Ballybofey. The Students can give themselves a fighting chance of catching Finn Harps in the race for second place with a victory tomorrow night.
Last time out UCD were left reeling after Wexford snatched victory from them 1-2 at the UCD Bowl and left the Students with a mountain to climb if they are to realise their hopes of playing in the top flight next year.
If UCD can overcome the Harps then it would put them in a great position with arguably the easier run in with games against the bottom two remaining.
Match Statistics
The head to head record shows that there has been virtually nothing to choose between Finn Harps and UCD with the sides drawing 2-2 in the opening encounter at the UCD Bowl with Finn Harps taking the three points at Ballybofey 2-1 and UCD winning 1-0 last time out.
Finn Harps have been in great form lately with three wins and a draw in their last four games while UCD have struggled for consistency having taken just four points from a possible twelve.
Finn Harps have the meanest defence in the First Division having conceded just thirteen goals in 25 matches while UCD are the top scorers in the division with 49 goals averaging almost 2 goals per game.
Betting
Finn Harps 7/5 Draw 11/5 UCD 17/10
Predction
Finn Harps 1-0 UCD
Finn Harps
Suspended: None
Doubtful: None
Injured: Damien McNulty (shoulder)
UCD
Suspended: Not Available
Doubtful: Not Available
Injured: Not Available