League Preview: UCD -v- Wexford

• Gareth Penrose
• Fri, May 05 2017




UCD

UCD welcome Wexford FC to the UCD Bowl in the SSE Airtricity League First Division on Friday night (kick-off 7.45pm).

 

Back in March, UCD needed a late Gary O’Neill free kick to secure a 1-1 draw in Ferrycarrig Park, and Collie O’Neill is expecting another tough game this time around.

 

“Despite their recent results, Wexford have been putting in some very good performances,” O'Neill said.

 

“If they keep playing the way they have been it won’t be long before they start picking up results and moving up the table.

 

“They will be confident going into the game especially after the difficult game we had down there earlier in the season when we needed Gary's late free kick to secure a point.”

 

UCD are currently two points off leaders Cobh Ramblers and O’Neill is pleased with his sides start to the season, however he knows there is still a long way to go.

 

“I’m pleased with how we have started the season so far. Our performances have been good, we have been creating plenty of chances and have picked up some good results.

 

“We have also improved a lot defensively on last season, which can be seen by our recent results including our snatch and grab 1-0 victory away to Shelbourne two weeks ago.”

 

On the injury front, the Students will be without Simon Power (calf) and Neil Farrugia (broken collarbone), who both continue their recovery from injury, however there are no other injury doubts or suspensions to contend with ahead of the game.

 

WEXFORD

Wexford make the short trip north to face third-place UCD as they continue to search for their first league win of a challenging season.

 

Manager Damian Locke will be without defender Craig McCabe, who is suspended after picking up five yellow cards.

 

Conor Sutton is expected to replace him at centre-half, but there is also a possibility that Andrew O'Connor could come in to the team, meaning a reshuffle at the back.

 

Goalkeeper Graham Doyle could be in line for a recall to the starting eleven, having resumed full training this week after missing the last five matches with a back injury.

 

There are also doubts over midfielder Craig Wall, who picked up a knock in training during the week.

 

 

Referee: Alan Carey

 

 

MATCH STATS

Wexford have yet to pick up a league win in the 2017 season and have only managed one point on their travels in five games.

 

With ten games played, UCD are 14 points ahead of Wexford in the league table.

 

In the 2015 season, Wexford won three of their four encounters with UCD, UCD winning the other 4-1.

 

 

BETTING

UCD 8/15; Draw 14/5; Wexford 5/1

 

PREDICTION

UCD 2 – 1 Wexford

 

 

UCD

Injured: Simon Power (calf), Neil Farrugia (broken collarbone)

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

 

Wexford

Injured: None.

Doubtful: Graham Doyle, Craig Wall

Suspended: Craig McCabe.