UCD -v- Limerick FC

• P.J. Murray
• Thu, May 16 2013




UCD

If UCD are to make a move to mid-table then the time is now for The Students. They go into the game with Limerick having recorded back-to-back wins, most notably a 4-2 victory at the Brandywell.

 

The Students could overtake Bohemians with a win and sit in ninth come 9:35pm Friday night. The continued loss of Mick Leahy is a big blow to the UCD defence, but Martin Russell is finally getting some purchase from his players.

 

Russell has seen his side take nine points from their last five games, they were in serious danger of getting stranded at the bottom, but the turnaround has seen them move to a more comfortable position.

 

The UCD manager praised his players recent performances, "I cannot praise our group of players enough for their efforts of late. Considering the difficulties we have faced in relation to injuries, illnesses and exams there has been a great togetherness demonstrated by our players, this has resulted in some splendid results. Something we hope to carry into the Limerick game."

 

The Students will be looking to avenge a 3-1 defeat to Limerick in Thomond earlier in the season. The main problem for UCD has been finding a goalscorer, their four goals in Derry was culminates to more than a quarter of the goals they had scored in the previous 12 games. They also have the joint worst defensive record in the league.

 

Martin Russell will be without Mick Leahy as well as Ger Barron, however Conor O’Donnell continues to deputise in-between the sticks.

 

LIMERICK FC

Limerick travel to Belfield having lost 1-0 to Drogheda on Tuesday night, but their first season back in the top flight is going better than many expected. They currently sit in seventh but were in fifth until the defeat to Drogheda.

 

Stuart Taylor said of the game that “It will be a very difficult game, they are after some excellent results and we will have to be at our best against a very good, well managed footballing team like UCD.”

 

The Munster side will be without the services of Joe Gamble who was sent off on Tuesday night. Apart from that Taylor is blessed with a full strength squad from which to pick. Although Limerick’s form is similar both at and away from home, there are more goals scored when Limerick leave the confines of Thomond.

 

Referee: Derek Tomney.

 

MATCH STATS

The Students have only scored four goals at home, two in a single game, while Limerick have netted 13 on the road.

 

All four of UCD’s goals at home have come from four different players.

 

Shane Tracy is Limerick’s top scorer with four goals.

 

BETTING

UCD 13/5, Draw 23/10, Limerick  Evens.

 

PREDICTION

A 3-2 win for UCD.

 

UCD

Injured: Mick Leahy, Ger Barron.
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: None.

 

LIMERICK FC

Injured: None.
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: Joe Gamble.