UCD -v- Dundalk
Credit:
UCD will be in a buoyant mood as they prepare to host Dundalk at the Belfield Bowl this Friday (7:45pm kick off). Like their opponents, the Students have very little to play for at this stage of the season, yet their fantastic 2-0 victory against Bohemians on Monday night could be the catalyst for a strong finish to their campaign.
Martin Russell’s side turned in what was probably their best performance of the season against their fellow Dubliners, playing the aesthetically pleasing football that their manager has been calling for. It was a miraculous transition from the manner in which they rolled over to Bray Wanderers the week before.
“The performance against Bohs was a move in the right direction,” Russell said when speaking to www.ucdsoccer.com. Despite injury concerns, the mood is positive.
“We are looking to maintain momentum against Dundalk, injuries continue to have an impact on our squad but the dressing room is full of young hungry players who will look to do well again on Friday night."”
Without key players Mark Quigley (suspension), Dean Bennett (suspension) and Mark Griffin (groin injury), such positivity may be more difficult for the visitors. Quigley - suspended after a red card against St. Pat’s last time out - has only missed one game previous to this in all competitions this season. That was against UCD at home in July, his side’s last league win.
Long-term injury problems have yet to clear up for Eoghan Osborne (fractured tibia), Stephen Maher (fractured metatarsal) and Colin Hawkins (knee). The silver lining is that both Quigley and Bennett will be available to manager Ian Foster when they travel to Sligo on Tuesday, but it is of little comfort to him now.
Without a league win in two months, Dundalk supporters will be hoping that they can break out of their malaise with a good performance here.
UCD
Injured: Sean Harding, Cairan Nangle, Sean Russell, Cillian Morison, and Robbie Benson.
Doubtful: Ger Barron.
Suspended: None.
Dundalk
Injured: Mark Griffin, Eoghan Osbourne, Stephen Maher, Colin Hawkins
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: Mark Quigley, Dean Bennett.
Referee: Paul McLaughlin.
Paddy Power Odds: UCD 11/4; Draw 12/5; Dundalk 10/11
Extratime prediction: UCD win. Baffled as to how Dundalk can be odds on for this game. They are missing several key players and UCD are coming off the back of a great win against Bohs. The UCD/Draw double chance is 5/6. Is that free money?
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