EA Semi - UCD -v- Waterford United

• Gareth Penrose
• Tue, Aug 04 2009


First Division rivals and promotion challengers Waterford United and UCD come head to head on Tuesday evening as they both vie to reach the final of the EA Sports Cup (kick-off 19:45). The winners of the game will face Bohemians in the final after they defeated Sligo Rovers despite the Bit’o’Red leading up until the 92nd minute.

UCD come into this game on the back of a comfortable 3-0 away win against Longford Town. Manager Martin Russell was pleased with the win on Saturday, which keeps UCD in third place.

"I think we deserved to win the game, we created most of the chances but Longford had one or two as well and we had to defend well at times. Big Evan McMillan particularly in the centre half position did ever so well for us." said Russell

While the league is the main focus, he also acknowledged the importance of Tuesday's semi-final in the EA Sports Cup.

"We're one game away from the final, we'll be giving it a right go and try to play in the manner that we have for most of the season."

As well as the prestige of UCD reaching the final of the competition for the third time in their history, the prize money for the winners is also on Russell's mind.

"There is a financial thing as well, TV money, gates from the final and prize money; it all helps, it's all badly needed."

In Students team news, Robbie Creevy is the only player unavailableas he's out with a torn quad muscle.

Waterford United also come into this game on the back of a win from Saturday night, with a late two nil win over Mervue United. This is the Blues' first appearance in a Cup semi-final since 2004, when they overcame Derry City away, en route to defeat at the hands of Longford Town in the FAI Cup final. It's also their best showing in the League Cup (now EA Sports Cup) since 2005, when they fell at the quarter-final hurdle away to UCD.

In Blues injury news, Willie John Kiely and midfielder Joe Mulcahy are both suffering from dead legs but will hopefully be fit for the clash. Otherwise, United will have no injuries or suspensions to worry about.

Extratime.ie Prediction: Another tough game to call. One thing this should be is a great contest. If I’m forced to put a score on it, I’d wager 1-1 at full time and Waterford to come out on top in Extra time, by a single goal.

Paddy Power Betting: At the time of writing UCD have been installed as favourites at odds of 11/8. Waterford are at 17/10 which may not be a bad wager, whilst the draw, as I predict, is available at 21/10.