League Preview: Drogheda United -v- UCD

DROGHEDA UNITED

Promotion hopefuls Drogheda United have a tough assignment tonight as they welcome First Division leaders UCD to United Park (kick-off 7:45pm).

The Drogs sit just two points ahead of fifth place Longford Town and are the same points difference off ^third place Shelbourne with a mere three games left to play.

A dip in form in the league has seen the Louth side draw their last three matches, but perhaps they can look to their performances against Premier Division teams in the FAI Cup for hope.

Drogheda faced two Europa League place hopefuls in the form of Shamrock Rovers – whom they beat – and Waterford United, who they lost to by a single goal.

Manager Tim Clancy was positive following their elimination.

“I thought we were excellent,” he told the club's website.

“That’s the second time that we’ve really brought the game to a top Premier Division side and it’s a shame we’ve gone out of the Cup.

He added that he didn’t think Waterford would face a tougher game in the remainder of their season in the top flight.

The big question tonight will be: can they rise to the occasion again and get some all-important points on the board against the league leaders?

Clancy said: “We’re one of only a handful of teams to beat UCD this season and we’ve only lost twice at home this year.

“We need to take confidence from this on Friday. UCD have been brilliant this season and fully deserve to be top but we know we have what it takes to get the right result.”

Colm Deasy will miss out for Drogheda through suspension but there are no injury doubts

UCD

The First Division leaders travel to Drogheda with a good run of form behind them and knowing that, depending on Finn Harp’s result against Galway, they could sew up the title.

UCD’s last outing in the league ended a four-game winning streak. They drew against a spirited Cobh Ramblers side who are on a high following their unlikely journey to the League Cup final.

UCD are on a cup run of their own: they dispelled of CIE Ranch 6-2 after coming from two down.

They now have a home draw on the horizon against, the team that put their opposition tonight out, Waterford United.

But league matters must surely be at the forefront of their thoughts in the meantime.

A win tonight would help ease the end of season jitters and allow them time to think about a cup run.

Referee: Adriano Reale

MATCH STATS

UCD could potentially seal up the First Division title if results go their way tonight.

The Students ran out 2-0 winners the last time the sides met in the league, in June. That match was at Belfield.

Earlier in the season, Drogheda won by the same margin when the Boynsiders enjoyed the home advantage.

The way the fixtures fell means the final meeting between the two hands Drogheda home advantage for their last tussle.

Drogheda United have drawn their last three games in the First Division. UCD have won two and drawn one of their last three games.

BETTING

Drogheda United 13/10; Draw 11/5; UCD 19/10.

PREDICTION

Drogheda United 1- 1 UCD

Drogheda United

Injured: None.

Doubtful: None

Suspended: Colm Deasy

UCD

Injured: None

Doubtful: None

Suspended: None.