Bohemians -v- UCD
Bohemians host UCD on Saturday night looking for revenge after the Students ended their slim title hopes last Monday, kick off 7.45.
That game was perhaps the Gypsies worst away performance of the season, while the victory, in turn, kick started an end of season revival for Martin Russell’s men. They have since gone on to thrash Dundalk and impressively beat St. Pats. Bohs will be buoyed by a heroic midweek performance, their 10 men put a serious dent in Shamrock Rovers’ title charge on Wednesday.
Pat Fenlon’s team selection will be interesting, with Sligo Rovers waiting next Sunday in an eagerly anticipated FAI Cup semi-final. Before that comes a Leinster Senior Cup final against St. Pats on
Monday. Owen Heary will take charge of that game, which will see a raft of Bohemian youngsters drafted in from the A team.
For the UCD game however, Fenlon has some injury and suspension concerns. Mark Rossiter is out with a hamstring injury, while Keith Buckley and Killian Brennan are doubts. The latter was forced off at half time against Shamrock Rovers after a clattering from Gary McCabe. Captain Owen Heary is fit to return after a three game absence. Aidan Downes will miss the game through suspension,
following his much-criticised red card in Tallaght.
Martin Russell has injury concerns of his own, with Sean Harding, Cillian Morrison and Sean Russell all out. Ciaran Nangle could return after resuming light training this week. The Students are almost
certain to finish in 8th position, but a win in Dalymount would see them equal last seasons’ victory haul of 11. Russell was wary of Bohs after their midweek exploits. “"We will be facing a Bohs side boosted after their second half performance against Rovers. We aim to go to Dalymount and compete as we have in all our recent games."
Bohemians still have an outside chance of third place, and with the two teams immediately ahead of them facing tricky games on Saturday, they will be hoping to capitalise with a home win here. It remains to be seen whether both Fenlon and his players will have one eye on next weeks’ semi-final. If so, it could give the Students a chance to continue their great form.
Bohemians:
Injured: Mark Rossiter (hamstring)
Doubtful: Keith Buckley (leg), Killian Brennan (ankle)
Suspended: Aidan Downes
UCD:
Injured: Sean Harding (groin), Cillian Morrison (hip), Sean Russell
(ribs)
Doubtful: Ciaran Nangle
Suspended: None
Referee: Graham Kelly
Paddy Power Odds: Bohemians 4/11 Draw 10/3 UCD 15/2
Extratime prediction: Bohemians 2 – 0 UCD