Dundalk -v- UCD

DUNDALK

Dundalk face UCD in Oriel Park on Friday off the back of a 0-0 draw in the Louth derby last weekend. The Lilywhites picked up their second point of the new campaign following the stalemate against the Drogs who finished with nine men. That followed a disappointing display and loss against St. Patrick’s Athletic and a dour scoreless draw against Monaghan. Three games and no goals scored is an increasing concern and they are one of only two sides in the league who are yet to hit the back of the net. The home side will be hoping to rectify their unwanted scoring record this weekend as they look to roll over the visitors.

Luke Danville misses out on the game against the Students and he joins Mark Griffin and Eoghan Osborne on the treatment table as they are working their way back to fitness after long-term injury. Captain Chris Shields is expected to play once again this week after making his first appearance of the season last weekend. Once again some of the youth players are expected to be involved, including young Ben McLaughlin, grandson of Dundalk legend Jim. The 16 year-old impressed at right-back against Crumlin United on Monday and is expected to line out in place of Danville.

Speaking in his programme notes ahead of the visit of UCD, manager Seán McCaffrey is looking forward to the game and is a feels UCD’s approach to the game will suit his side.

“I’m looking forward to the game. UCD play the game in the right way so it will suit us in that respect. Martin Russell is a very good manager and coach; I had him working with me as a coach for the Ireland U19’s.

People will look at the game and feel we need the three points, but there is nothing won or lost at this stage of the season. We need to get our performances right and that is coming gradually; we are starting to get into a wee bit of shape.”

 

UCD
After their opening three games, UCD will be disappointed that they only have three points to show for their efforts. After an impressive victory against Cork City on the opening night,  the Belfield side have lost their last two outings against Bray Wanderers and Sligo Rovers.
 

Both matches were games that the Students were unlucky not to get something out of and they will be looking to bounce back at Oriel Park this weekend. The performance of striker Graham Rusk will be something that manager Martin Russell will be pleased about as the striker grabbed two goals last weekend and the visitors will be hoping that he will be able to carry that good form into this week’s game.

Paul Corry is included in the first-team squad for the first time this season and is a welcome boost to the college as they make the trip to County Louth while they will be hoping that Gary Burke and Sean Russell will be fit to take their place in midfield.  Goalkeeper Ger Barron is rated as very doubtful with a toe injury as is defender Mick Leahy who is struggling with a knee injury. Corry’s return is a huge plus for the side as they aim to get their season back on track against the lacklustre Lilywhites.
 

Speaking to ucdsoccer.com ahead of the game, manager Martin Russell knows that his side will have to be on top of their game to take anything away from Oriel Park.
 

“If we are to come away with anything from the game with Dundalk, then we will have to play much better than we did in the Bray game. To be fair to the lads they have looked bright in training and I am sure they will bounce back in a positive manner in Dundalk”

 

Referee: Derek Tomney (Dublin)
 

MATCH STATS
Dundalk will be searching for their first goal in a competitive match in 535 minutes and their first goal of the season. The run includes four league matches and one Leinster Senior Cup match. Their competitive goal was last scored by the now departed Johnny Breen against neighbours Drogheda in a 1-0 victory at Oriel Park last October.

Dundalk will be looking to win their first competitive game under the management of Seán McCaffrey. So far this season they have two draws and two losses.

There hasn’t been a 0-0 draw between the sides since January 1999.
 

UCD will be looking for their first victory at the border venue since 2007 when they beat Dundalk 2-1 in an FAI Cup tie. Since then Dundalk have won three of the subsequent four meetings at Oriel with the other encounter ending in a draw.

 

BETTING
Odds: Dundalk-6/4  ; Draw-11/5 ; UCD-7/4.
 

PREDICTION
Dundalk’s problems in front of goal are well documented combined with UCD’s indifferent start to the season, a 0-0 draw is the most likely outcome.

 

Dundalk Injury News: Luke Danville, Eoghan Osborne, Mark Griffin.

Doubtful: None.

Dundalk Suspension News: None

UCD Injury News: None

Doubtful: Ger Barron, Mick Leahy.

UCD Suspension News: None.