League Preview: UCD -v- Wexford

UCD's Ciaran Behan

UCD's Ciaran Behan Credit: Martin Doherty (ETPhotos)

UCD 

UCD will be seeking to return to winning ways when they host Wexford at the UCD Bowl on Friday night (kick-off is at 7.45pm).

The Students enjoyed a strong start to the campaign with a 2-1 victory over Bray Wanderers - despite playing over an hour of the game with ten-men. 

But a costly home loss against Treaty United in their second fixture saw them slip to their first defeat of the season.

And they were beaten again last weekend by Cork City, although they will be pleased that they were able to control the game for vast swathes against the title favourites at Turner’s Cross.

The Students will also be boosted this week following the return of defender Alex Dunne from suspension. 

Ronan Finn remains a doubt though with a knee injury. 

WEXFORD 

The Slaneysiders are set to play just their second league game of the season on Friday night when they visit Dublin 4. 

James Keddy’s men have not played since their league opener against Athlone Town - where they fell to a 3-0 loss.



Their most recent scheduled games against Longford Town and Cobh Ramblers have both been postponed due to a waterlogged pitch at Ferrycarrig Park.

But those postponements have given them time to allow for the return of Aaron Dobbs and Cian O’Malley to full fitness. 

Wexford have no further injury issues to contend with. 

Referee: Daniel Murphy. 

 

MATCH STATS



UCD have won their last five home games on the spin against Wexford, winning by a combined score of 16-3. 

James Keddy’s troops claimed 28 points from 18 away league outings last season, which was the third-best record in the First Division. Only Galway United (40) and Waterford (37) claimed more - and they were both promoted to the Premier Division.

The Students are winless in their last eight competitive fixtures at home and have lost seven of their last eight at the Dublin 4 venue. 

PREDICTION 

UCD 2-0 Wexford

 

UCD

Injured: None.

Doubtful:Ronan Finn.

Suspended:None.

 

Wexford

Injured: None.

Doubtful:Cian O’Malley, Aaron Dobbs. 

Suspended:None.

 

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