UCD -v- Dundalk
Credit:
Martin Russell’s UCD are in dire need of a win as they welcome Dundalk to the UCD Bowl on Saturday night (kick-off 7.45pm).
UCD
UCD have lost their first three games of the league campaign, shipping a total of 11 goals in defeats to Bohemians, Derry City and Limerick.
Doubts over Tomas Boyle, Robbie Benson and James Kavanagh only make the task of turning over Stephen Kenny’s visiting team more difficult, while Dean Clarke and Mick Leahy are definitely out. However, David O’Connor’s return after suspension is of some solace.
“Stephen Kenny has managed to build a stronger squad than Dundalk had last year and is an excellent manager,” Russell said ahead of the game.
“We know a couple of their lads in Andy Boyle and Keith Ward who both played for us. We need a big performance on Saturday night in order to come away with our first points of the season.”
Midfielder Barry McCabe added: “We need to pick up some points soon and, with the games coming quickly, we have a great chance to move on from the last few results by performing well tomorrow night.”
DUNDALK
Champions Sligo Rovers slapped Dundalk with their first league defeat of the year on Tuesday but the Lilywhites will be confident that they can get something from UCD despite that 3-1 result.
Stephen Kenny will field a side without captain Stephen O’Donnell due to a calf injury, John Mountney and Chris Shields return to the squad.
“UCD haven’t had the best of starts but that doesn’t matter,” Kenny told dundalkfc.com this week.
“It’s going to be a tough game as UCD are usually quite good at home so we have to dust ourselves down and recover and make sure we are ready for them.”
Referee: Paul McLoughlin
MATCH STATS
UCD’s last game at the UCD Bowl saw them lose 6-0 to Derry City. That is their heaviest league defeat at home since they lost 7-0 to Limerick in 1979.
That year also heralded the first game between Dundalk and the Students — which Dundalk won 6-0.
UCD and Dundalk have played 51 times competitively, with the Lilywhites winning 23 times and UCD 16. There have been 12 draws.
BETTING
UCD 9/4; Draw 23/10; Dundalk 11/10.
PREDICTION
Dundalk to win 2-1.
UCD
Injured: Mick Leahy, Dean Clarke
Doubtful: Tomas Boyle, Robbie Boyle, James Kavanagh
Suspended: None
Dundalk
Injured: Stephen O’Donnell
Doubtful: None
Suspended: None
