League Preview: UCD -v- Dundalk

UCD

Basement side UCD welcome Dundalk to the UCD Bowl on Monday evening in a bid to keep in touch with ninth-placed Cork City (kick-off is at 5pm).

The Students come into Monday’s game off the back of a superb draw at home to league leaders Bohemians – with Jake Doyle striking late to secure a point.

And they did that without the services of absent trio Evan Osam, Sam Todd and Mikey Raggett.

Mark Dignam also joined them on the treatment table after being forced off against Bohs on Friday.

But despite the challenges, their boss Andy Myler was delighted with the spirit shown by his side against the Gypsies.

“Dundalk are a very good side and they will be playing in Europe this year,” he said. “We’ll need to be at our very best to get anything out of the game.

“Hopefully we can get the same performance level that we did against Bohemians.”

DUNDALK

After claiming a late win against Drogheda United on Friday night, Dundalk visit the Belfield Bowl looking for back to back league wins.

Paul Martin’s goal was the difference at Oriel Park in the Louth derby – but it could have been a frustrating night for Stephen O’Donnell’s side.

His side raced into a 2-0 lead and even had a man advantage following Gary Deegan’s dismissal in the second half.

But a Freddie Draper brace catapulted the Drogs back into the game before Martin’s late winner.

And that goal is likely to give them a huge surge in momentum ahead of their clash against the Students.

“We’re unbeaten in the last three so we have turned it around a little bit,” O’Donnell said. “UCD are a tough team to play against and they are a good side.

“Andy Myler has done a great job there and we need to be ready for Monday.”

Andy Boyle, Greg Sloggett, Cameron Elliott, Daniel Kelly, Louie Annesley and John Mountney are all ruled out injured for the Lilywhites.

But Wasiri Williams is expected to return from suspension.

Referee: Sean Grant.

PREDICTION

UCD 1-1 Dundalk

UCD

Injured: Mikey Raggett, Mark Dignam, Sam Todd, Evan Osam.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

Dundalk

Injured: Andy Boyle, Greg Sloggett, Cameron Elliott, Daniel Kelly, Louie Annesley, John Mountney.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.