League Preview: Shamrock Rovers -v- UCD

• Gareth O'Reilly
• Tue, Sep 30 2014




Shamrock Rovers

Shamrock Rovers will welcome UCD to Tallaght Stadium on Tuesday night for an 8PM kick off. This game was rearranged due to Rovers involvement in the EA Sports Cup final so Pat Fenlon will be hoping that his side take full advantage of their game in hand.

 

The Hoops have been hit by a number of late injury concerns which along with Jason McGuinness being forced to sit out this game due to suspension means Fenlon may be forced to utilise his squad’s fringe players in this fixture.

 

Barry Murphy and Kieran Marty Waters will both be forced to undergo late fitness tests as they attempt to recover from calf and knee injuries respectively.

 

Speaking prior to Tuesday night’s game, Pat Fenlon was keen to stress that this would be no easy game and that no excuses would be made for not securing the three points.

 

“I’ve said to the lads today that we have to go out against UCD and win the game, and that is the attitude we will have towards every game between now and the end of the season. Pat’s might slip up, they might not, but we want to be in the position to take advantage if they do. Momentum is also really important in football and a win in this game will set us up well for the weekend.”

 

 

UCD

UCD are still searching for their first win since mid July as they head to Tallaght on Tuesday evening. The Students are in desperate need of some points as Athlone have successfully closed the gap to just one point.

 

Despite their recent woes UCD did manage to put in their best performance of the last two months when they succumbed to a two goal defeat against Dundalk. This was made ever more remarkable bearing in mind they were forced to name schoolboy Dan Tobin at right back against the best attacking team in the league.

 

Prior to last Friday’s Dundalk fixture in the Belfield Bowl, UCD had a three week break from action and thus were refreshed. Boss Callaghan will certainly be hoping that his first season as UCD manager does not end in relegation but unless the College can start to pick up points soon they will ultimately be unable to fight off Athlone Town who have drawn their last six league games.

 

Referee: Derek Tomney

 

 

Match Facts

The Students have marginally the worse goal difference in the league with a record of -35 compared to Bray’s -32. Rovers on the other hand have a +10 in the goal difference column.

 

The College’s last game in Tallaght Stadium came back in April when they were beaten two nil as The Hoops won out thanks to goals from Ronan Finn and Ryan Brennan

 

Shamrock Rovers have only managed to net thirteen times at home in thirteen games so far this season. UCD on the other hand have managed to net fourteen times on the road out of thirteen attempts.

 

Betting

Shamrock Rovers 2/11; Draw5/1; UCD 14/1

 

Prediction

Shamrock Rovers 2-1 UCD

 

Shamrock Rovers

Injured: None

Doubtful: Barry Murphy (calf), Kieran Marty Waters (knee)

Suspended: Jason McGuinness

 

UCD

Injured: Unknown

Doubtful: Unknown

Suspended: Unknown