League Preview: UCD -v- Limerick FC

UCD

UCD will be aiming to close the gap at the top of the SSE First Division table as they entertain table toppers Limerick FC at the UCD Bowl on Friday evening (kick-off 7.45pm). The Students played out a frenetic 2-2 draw last Friday night against Drogheda United.

UCD boss, Collie O’Neill was pleased with his teams display and felt that his side were unlucky not to take all three points telling www.ucdsoccer.com, “We were perhaps unfortunate not to win the game against Drogheda. I thought we played very well at times and there has certainly been a big improvement in our performances over the last few weeks, particularly in the games against Shelbourne and Drogheda.”

The Students will have to eliminate any silly mistakes if they are to have any chance of upsetting the league leaders and O’Neill was quick to point out that despite the improvement in their performances they will have to be at the top of their game to take maximum points in this top of the table clash.

UCD received a welcome boost last week with last season’s Young Player of the Year Ryan Swan scoring his first goal of the season. Collie O’Neill has been impressed with Swan’s displays so far this season and is hopeful he can return to prolific form in front of goal.

“Ryan has been playing very well for us lately, his work rate has been top notch but he has just needed a little bit of luck in front of goal. Hopefully now over the next few weeks able to push and regain that form in front of goal that saw him finish our top scorer as well as scoring those vital goals for us in the Europa League.”

The Students will have striker Jason Byrne available again for selection after returning to training during the week following a calf injury but they will be hampered by a lengthy injury list with Dan Tobin (toe), Jack Watson (heel), Ryan McLaughlin (hamstring), Cathal Brady (ribs), Samir Belhout (knee) and Brian Shortall (hamstring) all set to miss out.

LIMERICK FC

Limerick FC will make the tough trip to the capital for a clash with their closest rivals for automatic promotion in what has all the ingredients of an enthralling encounter tomorrow evening. The Super Blues will go into this game off the back of a convincing 4-0 win over Wexford Youths in the EA Sports Cup midweek thanks to braces from Aaron Green and John O’Flynn.

Boss Martin Russell was understandably pleased with his side’s performance with the Shannonsiders picking up their third clean sheet in as many games. Limerick FC comfortably swept aside Cabinteely 3-0 at the Market’s Field last Saturday night and will be pushing to re-establish their dominance in the league so far and increase their lead at the top.

The Super Blues boss has a full squad to choose from with the exception of defender Seamus Sharkey who remains side-lined with a head injury picked up in the game against Drogheda but received positive news from the specialist during the week.

Referee: Marc Lynch

MATCH FACTS

Limerick FC thumped UCD 4-1 at home in the opening fixture of the season and have been scoring goals for fun ever since with a total of thirty one goals and conceded five in seven league games.

UCD have managed a total of nine goals and conceded eleven in their seven league matches so far this season.

UCD have lost just one of their last five matches with two wins and two draws and they are unbeaten in their last four games.

Limerick FC have won all of their last five games and are unbeaten in the league with a 100% record with seven wins from seven matches.

UCD have the better head to head record since 1998 with eight wins to Limerick FC’s four with four games ending in a draw.

BETTING

UCD 10/1; Draw 4/1; Limerick FC ¼.

PREDICTION

UCD 0-2 Limerick FC.

UCD

Injured: Dan Tobin (toe), Jack Watson (heel), Ryan McLaughlin (hamstring), Cathal Brady (ribs), Samir Belhout (knee), Brian Shortall (hamstring).

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

Limerick FC

Injured: Seamus Sharkey (head).

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.