Shamrock Rovers -v- UCD

• Gareth O'Reilly
• Fri, Jul 19 2013




SHAMROCK ROVERS

Shamrock Rovers head into this game sitting in 5th place in the Premier Division but know that a late title surge is still not beyond them. A win for Shamrock Rovers will allow the Tallaght based club to move within six points of St Pats. 

 

Ahead of the game, however, Rovers boss Trevor Croly has some injuries that will need to be assessed. Barry Murphy is definitely out as he continues his rehabilitation from the bruised ribs he suffered in Rovers’ mid season friendly defeat to Birmingham City. Long term absentee David Elebert’s troublesome calf injury also rules him out of this clash with the Students.

 

The doubtful list consists of Conor McCormack, who has picked up a dead leg, while Pat Sullivan may be forced to sit this one out with a groin injury. Lots for Croly to ponder, then, in the lead up to this game and this is what he had to say about it.

 

“We need to be aware of the dangers that UCD possess going into this game. We lost to them earlier in the season – one of only two losses this season – so we know that it will be a difficult game. We want to put things right after and we also want to keep our good run in the league going. We will certainly be going all out to win on the night.”

 

UCD

Martin Russell’s men will be looking to build on last Sunday’s draw with Drogheda when they travel to Tallaght on Friday evening. The College know a win has the potential to catapult them up the table to 8th place but they will go into this game as rank outsiders. 

 

Dean Clarke looks set to be the man that will replace David McMillan having scored twice since McMillan's departure to Sligo at the start of the month. Cillian Morrison is not expected to be part of the match day squad as he is currently travelling back from the World University games. 

 

In other team news ahead of the game Mick Leahy has had a minor set back on his road to making his first competitive appearance of the season after he limped off with a groin strain in Tuesday's 4-0 friendly defeat to Aberdeen. Tomas Boyle will be the other absentee on Friday as he continues his recovery from a hamstring injury picked up at the start of the month.

 

The last time these sides met UCD shocked the majority of people in the stadium by scoring twice late on to win the game 2-0. Those goals came courtesy of Sean Russell and Hugh Douglas. 

 

Speaking ahead of the clash Martin Russell was under no illusions as to the mammoth task facing his team.

 

"While Rovers have assembled a squad that is capable of winning the league, we will continue to develop players and encourage young players to reach their full ability. This clash highlights the gulf between the resources of both clubs. Everyone expects them to continue to push for the championship, so we are expecting a very tough encounter."

 

Referee: Paul McLoughlin.

 

 

MATCH FACTS

Shamrock Rovers have won just under 50% of games between these two sides.

 

Shamrock Rovers have drawn ten games this season which is more than anybody else in the Airtricity League.

 

Dean Clarke is UCD’s new top goal scorer since the departure of David McMillan having chipped in with five goals so far this campaign.

 

 

BETTING

Shamrock Rovers 2/9; Draw 5/1; UCD 10/1.

 

PREDICTION

Rovers are on form and should prove just too much for UCD who are going to struggle to score without a recognised striker. Shamrock Rovers 2-0 UCD

 

Shamrock Rovers

Injured: Barry Murphy (bruised ribs), David Elebert (calf).
Doubtful: Conor McCormack (dead leg) and Pat Sullivan (groin).
Suspended: None.

 

UCD

Injured: Mick Leahy (groin), Tomas Boyle (hamstring).
Doubtful: Cillian Morrison (travelling back from international duty).
Suspended: None.