UCD -v- Bohemians
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The Belfield Bowl will be the stage for Monday night’s League of Ireland Premier Division action (7.45pm kick off). Bohemians make the short trip south across the city to play UCD who have recently secured Premier Division safety.
The Students may not have much to play for in their remaining league fixtures but Martin Russell will want his charges to produce a better performance than they turned in at the Carlisle Grounds on Thursday night. They found themselves on the wrong end of a 4-0 final score as Bray Wanderers came into some form after a tough run of results.
Unfortunately for Russell he has injuries to contend with. At least four of their first team squad will definitely be stuck on the sidelines for this game.
Interestingly, even though they are safe and have naught to wish for but pride, UCD are in a unique position to influence the final destination of the league title. Over the next few weeks they play Shamrock Rovers and Sligo Rovers, but start with this tie against Phibsboro’s finest.
Bohs have everything to play for. They are still in touch with the sides chasing the title but they need to win every point they can if they are to take their challenge to the very end. Only wins will do at this stage, and Pat Fenlon’s men know it.
Fenlon has a fully fit squad to pick from but it would be no surprise to see him field some of his slightly younger players at the Belfield Bowl. Still fighting on both League and Cup fronts, he will not want his bigger names tired for the important weeks ahead.
UCD
Injured: Sean Harding, Ciaran Nangle, Sean Russell, Robbie Benson.
Doubtful: Ger Barron.
Suspended: None.
Bohemians
Injured: None.
Doubtful: Ollie Cahill.
Suspended: None.
Referee: Damien Hancock
Paddy Power Odds: UCD 9/2; Draw 12/5 Bohemians 4/7.
Extratime prediction: UCD’s unique colander style defense won’t be able to contain Bohs who are in good scoring form. Even if they rest a few players, the visitors will win to nil.
