League Preview: UCD -v- Limerick FC

UCD

UCD host Limerick at the Belfield Bowl on Sunday evening (KO 6.00pm), in what is a rescheduled match between the teams. This is the fourth and final time this fixture will take place this season, and the Students will be hoping to deny Limerick the opportunity to confirm themselves as League champions.

Collie O'Neill's side overcame Limerick based non-league side Janesboro last weekend in the FAI Cup Third Round with a convincing 3-1 victory in Belfield and now await their quarter final opposition. Crumlin United take on Dundalk on Tuesday evening in the final Third Round fixture, and the winners face a trip to Belfield in a few weeks’ time. O'Neill is treating the prospect of either team with respect, even if one team is non-league and the other team is a double league Champion.

“Whoever we end up facing we know we are going to be up against it. If its Crumlin they will have beaten Finn Harps and Dundalk to get this far so will fancy their chances of also knocking us out, while if its Dundalk, getting the best team in the country is not everyone’s ideal cup draw but to look on the bright side of things, we’re at home, all the pressure will be on them. We have a young team that play with no fear and that’s all I’ll be asking them to do on the day and let’s see where that takes us.”

UCD have lost to Limerick on all three occasions they've met this season. In each game, UCD have had a player sent off so the first thing O'Neill will be demanding from his players this evening is that they all finish the game on the pitch. O'Neill believes Limerick are already champions and isn't accepting the fact that Limerick can seal their fate against his side.

“I know mathematically the league isn’t won yet but with a 50+ goal difference, as far as I’m concerned the league title has been won and Limerick are fully deserving champions, for them to not win it I think Limerick would need to lose all their remaining 7 games 6 nil so there’s not much chance of that happening! Our main focus on Sunday is to get 3 points to help cement one of the playoff spots.”

The Students have a smaller list of unavailable players than previously for this tie. Tomas Boyle, Brian Shortall, Cathal Brady and ex-Limerick shot stopper Conor O'Donnell are all absent through injury. Otherwise, O'Neill can call upon the rest of his players for this important clash.

LIMERICK FC

The reason for the rescheduling of this match is because Limerick played a friendly with the Oman national team on Friday evening. A prestigious event for the club and the Market's Field, Limerick were equal to the challenge of the 107^th FIFA ranked team in the world as the sides played out a 2-2 draw.

Martin Russell essentially played two different teams during the 90 minutes, as he elected to make a full host of substitutions at half time. The result is something his players can be proud of and they can add it to the achievements they've made all season. Unbeaten in 21 league games and with a positive goal difference of 54 goals, they're just a single point from clinching the title.

However, last week they came back down to earth with a 2-0 loss against St. Patrick's Athletic in the FAI Cup third round. That fixture was their first loss of the season, and indeed was a dress rehearsal for the League Cup final which is a few weeks away. Once Limerick wrap up the league title, that's where their focus will lie – adding more silverware to an otherwise perfect season.

The 2-2 draw with Oman will have helped to put the FAI Cup exit at the hands of St. Pat's to the back of their minds, and Limerick make the trip to Dublin this afternoon knowing they're almost over the line. A quick promotion back to the Premier Division was crucial so as not to undo the great work the club did in the second half of last season. Ever since then, they've been a credit to the city of Limerick and its great love for sport.

Limerick will fancy their chances in Belfield. It's where Martin Russell's managerial reign began and with many ex-Students in the Limerick team and with Limerick having already picked up 9 points against them this season, they can carry complete confidence into this fixture today and aim for one final victory over the Students.

Russell will have to plan for this game without just one player. Seamus Sharkey is unavailable. He has been injured since April and will continue his recovery on the sidelines. Otherwise, Limerick have every other player available and Russell will hope for one more big performance from his starting XI to affirm Limerick as First Division champions.

Referee: Andrew Mullally

MATCH STATS

It's already been mentioned, but Limerick have beaten UCD three times this season. UCD took the lead on the opening day of the season in Limerick, but ultimately lost 4-1 when reduced to 10 men. The sides played a much closer encounter in Belfield, with Limerick picking up three points with a 2-1 win, this time with both sides seeing a man sent off. Most recently a topsy turvy game saw Limerick defeat the Students 4-3 at the Market's Field. Limerick took the lead, only for Robbie Williams to see his second red card against UCD this season. UCD then went 2-1 up before being reduced to 10 men as well. Limerick recovered and eventually won in a seven goal thriller.

UCD have failed to beat Limerick in the past six meetings between the clubs, with only a point picked up in those six games. However, UCD come into this game not having lost since their last defeat to Limerick. That run stretches back to the beginning of July. They've picked up 5 wins and 2 draws with the victory against Janesboro in the cup inclusive. Limerick of course lost their first game of the season last week against St. Pat's and will be aiming to bounce back.

Today's fixture will also be the battle of the top scorers in the league. UCD's captain Gary O'Neill and Limerick's veteran striker John O'Flynn share the feat at the moment, with 11 goals each. Limerick also have Aaron Greene and Chris Mulhall aiming for this personal accolade too. Greene has scored 10 league goals this season and Mulhall is just behind with 9 goals. One of these players will surely finish the season with the prize.

BETTING

Home 4/1; Draw 7/2; Away 4/9.

PREDICTION

UCD 2-2 Limerick

UCD

Injured: Conor O'Donnell (knee), Tomas Boyle (neck), Brian Shortall (hamstring), Cathal Brady (hamstring).

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

Limerick

Injured: Seamus Sharkey.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.