League Preview: UCD -v- Dundalk

• Gareth O'Reilly
• Thu, Sep 25 2014




UCD

UCD welcome Dundalk to the Belfield Bowl on Friday evening in what will be The Students first game in 21 days. The match is due to get underway at 7.45pm.

 

Aarron Callaghan will have likely had mixed feeling about the break although with three games in the next week it could be argued that his players will need to be fighting fit for every minute of them.

 

For the first time in a number of years the College find themselves in real danger of going down which is hardly surprising seeing as the Boys in Blue are without a win since July. However with the likes of Chris Mulhall returning to the line-up Callaghan will be hoping for an improvement on recent outings.

 

“It's been strange for the lads not having a competitive game over the last few weeks, but the run in is going to be a tough few weeks for them so having a bit of a break has probably done them no harm. It has also given a few players who were carrying knocks the chance to recover and hopefully they will be raring to go come Friday. We should have Chris Mulhall back fit after his injury."

 

Gareth Matthews is set to miss this clash through suspension after he picked up four yellow cards last time out against Limerick. Also missing will be Dean Clarke, Thomas Boyle and Mark Langtry who are all long term members of the Belfield Bowl physio room club.

 

Callaghan is refusing to write off his young charges but does admit that his side will face an uphill battle against the Lilywhites.

 

"Obviously Dundalk will be favourites going into the game, they have been flying in the league all season, and will be hoping to continue their form to pick up a league and cup double after a great win against Rovers in the league cup last weekend."

 

DUNDALK

Stephen Kenny is preparing to bring his red and white army to Belfield for what should be an entertaining game played with an attacking style of football.

 

In team news, Simon Kelly will not make the game while Stephen O’Donnell is also not quite ready to make a return although the Dundalk captain is getting ever nearer to making a spectacular return to play.

 

With it being this tight Dundalk’s management will be anxious to have a full squad to choose from for the remainder of the campaign, it will therefore have been a relief that the league leaders came through their EA Sports Cup Final unscathed.

 

In further positive news Dundalk have reported that they are clear of any suspension difficulty for the time being at least.

 

Referee: James McKell

 

MATCH FACTS

The Lilywhites are atop of the table but only by three points which is down to Kenny’s men having lost one game less than Cork who lead the chasing pack.

 

There are twenty goals in the difference between these two sides away record in terms of the goals conceded column.

 

UCD have had a player sent off the last two times they have hosted Dundalk in Belfield.

 

BETTING

UCD 9/1 Draw 9/2 Dundalk 1/4

 

PREDICTION

UCD 0-3 Dundalk

 

UCD

Injured: Dean Clarke (back), Mark Langtry (ankle), Tomas Boyle (hamstring)

Doubtful: None

Suspended: Gareth Matthews

 

Dundalk

Injured: Stephen O’Donnell, Simon Kelly

Doubtful: None

Suspended: None