League Preview: UCD -v- Shelbourne

UCD

UCD continue their quest for a first win of the season when they welcome Shelbourne to the UCD Bowl on Friday night (kick-off is at 7.45pm).

The Students have yet to win this season and are now five points behind ninth placed Cork City.

And last week they slumped to another demoralising defeat away to St Patrick’s Athletic.

That loss prompted boss Andy Myler to say it was the worst his side performed when in the Premier Division.

But the Students boss is keen for his side to hit back with a big performance against Shelbourne.

“It’s a challenge every week,” Myler said. “They are all good sides in the league this year. Shels have won games and are sitting in the middle of the table. But we have to be at our best to win football games.

“We have to be scoring over 90% to win games in the Premier Division. We have been close to it at times this year, but we were nowhere near it against St Pat’s.”

Mikey Raggett continues to miss out, while Evan Osam and Danu Kinsella Bishop are doubts. Sam Todd may return.

SHELBOURNE

Also looking for a win, Shelbourne make the short trip to Dublin’s southside to take on UCD at the Belfield Bowl.

The Reds were narrowly defeated last week by Derry City with Paddy Barrett dismissed in controversial fashion at Tolka Park.

But they must bounce back with a win as they head into a pivotal weekend where they play twice in three days.

“We’re professional footballers,” midfielder Mark Coyle said last week on LOI TV. “We should be able to manage two games in three days or whatever it is.

“We all want to play in games and that is the reason we play. It’s not a hindrance. It can either be a great week where we can get six points – if we get none it is a disaster.

“We have full focus on UCD.”

Sean Boyd and Conor Kane remain out with long-term injuries for Shelbourne.

Referee: Eoghan O’Shea

PREDICTION

UCD 1 - 3 Shelbourne

UCD

Injured: Mikey Raggett.

Doubtful: Sam Todd, Danu Kinsella Bishop, Evan Osam.

Suspended: None.

Shelbourne

Injured: Sean Boyd, Conor Kane.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: Paddy Barrett.