League Preview: UCD -v- Shelbourne

The UCD Bowl

The UCD Bowl Credit: Gerry Shanahan (ETPhotos)

UCD

UCD return back to The Bowl for a second consecutive home match on Monday where they will host Damien Duff’s Shelbourne side who will look to build upon their 2-0 win over Drogheda at Head in the Game Park this past Friday (kick-off 7.45pm)

Andy Myler’s team come off a goalless draw against Finn Harps last Friday that will not go down as a classic within League of Ireland lore.

There were encouraging signs for the D4 side as they kept a cleansheet against Finn Harps and look much more assured in defence compared to their calamitous defensive performance against Shamrock Rovers in Tallaght two Fridays ago.

It seems to be already a clichéd saying for UCD this season, but they need to strike while the iron is hot and get points on the league table now, while players like Colm Whelan and Liam Kerrigan are available to them and not when the bigger boys have taken them away.

SHELBOURNE

Following Shelbourne’s thumping defeat at the hands of St Patricks Athletic, Duff will let out a deep sigh of relief after getting his first managerial win under his belt against Drogheda United this past Friday

The script was completely different for Shelbourne against Drogheda who were the much better side and got the win they deserved via two second half goals from Dan Hawkins and Mark Coyle.

Many think UCD will be an automatic three points for clubs far and wide this season but a Baltic night at The Bowl certainly isn’t for the faint of heart.

Referee: Alan Patchell



MATCH STATS

UCD will look to score their first goal of the 2022 season this Monday.

The sides last faced each other last season where UCD scored a late equaliser in a 1-1 draw at Tolka Park. On that particular evening Shelbourne were crowned First Division Champions.

BETTING

UCD AFC. 7/2; Draw 23/10; Shelbourne F.C. 3/4.

PREDICTION



UCD 1-3 Shelbourne.

UCD

Injured: Harvey O’Brien

Doubtful: N/A.

Suspended: N/A

Shelbourne

Injured: N/A

Doubtful: N/A

Suspended: N/A

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