League Preview: UCD -v- Shamrock Rovers

• Andrew Dempsey
• Fri, May 17 2019




UCD

In the midst of a six-game losing run, the Students will hope to get back to winning ways when they host Shamrock Rovers at the UCD Bowl on Friday evening (kick-off 7.45pm).

UCD have lost their last two league games at the Bowl with a defeat at home to Dundalk followed by a win for Sligo Rovers. 

Typically late April through to the middle of May has seen UCD sides struggle on the pitch with both results and performances as players juggle playing in the League of Ireland with the ramp up to examinations off the pitch and that has proved evident during the last few weeks at Belfield. 

The Students have not scored in four games since Yoyo Mahdy’s opener at home to Dundalk on Easter Monday.  

Speaking ahead of the game with his club’s media team, UCD boss Collie O’Neill admits that he is under no illusions as to how much of a challenge his side face at the Bowl against a title-chasing Shamrock Rovers. 

“We know it’s going to be a difficult game,” said O’Neill. “Shamrock Rovers have been flying so far this season playing some great football. 

“It has been a tough few weeks for us, with some difficult games, in what has historically been a tough period for us with the players having the added pressures of their end of year exams and the increased workload that brings on them.”

Evan Osam continues to be a long term absentee with his achilles injury while the quartet of Timmy Molloy, Dan Tobin, Luke Boore and Kevin Coffey will miss out due to exam commitments. 

SHAMROCK ROVERS

Looking to get back to winning ways after a difficult few weeks at the office results wise, Stephen Bradley brings his Shamrock Rovers side to Belfield to face a beleaguered UCD who themselves have struggled to get points in recent weeks. 

The Hoops were bested last time out away to Sligo Rovers thanks to two wondergoals from the Bit O’Red. Aaron Greene levelled the game before Jack Keaney broke Shamrock Rovers hearts at the Showgrounds. 

Rovers have lost top spot since they last played. After a week off due to the UEFA Under-17 European Championship taking centre stage at Tallaght Stadium, Rovers have an ideal opportunity to get back to winning ways against Collie O’Neill’s side. 

Speaking to his club’s media team, Shamrock Rovers boss Stephen Bradley admits that UCD will be no pushovers at the UCD Bowl. 

“We know from when we played them in Tallaght that it’ll be difficult, and we’ve watched them a lot over there this year. 

“They’ve been on the wrong end of results, but they’ve been in every game, they’re creating chances and they’ll be dangerous. I don’t think UCD will change their style of play from Tallaght, they’ll look to play. 

“Every game for us is about getting points on the board and the next two are no different (with a trip to Finn Harps scheduled for next Monday). We’ll approach them like we do every game. “Things went against us last week, but we just have to produce that performance again and put away one or two of our chances.”

Sam Bone and Sean Kavanagh remain on the side-lines after recent injury issues but Republic of Ireland Under-17 international James Furlong is in line to return to contention after his exploits during the Euros with Ireland. 

Referee: Neil Doyle. 

MATCH STATS

UCD have lost their previous six games in a row, scoring just the one goal in the process. In total, it has been 439 minutes since the Students last scored which came against table toppers Dundalk on Easter Monday at the UCD Bowl. 

Shamrock Rovers also come into the game in poor enough form. The Hoops have lost three of their last four with defeats to Bohemians, Dundalk and Sligo Rovers in recent weeks. 

The last time UCD beat Shamrock Rovers was in 2013 where the Students ran out 2-0 victors over the Hoops at the UCD Bowl. Hugh Douglas and Sean Russell scored with two late goals on that occasion for the Belfield side.  

BETTING

UCD 9/1; Draw 7/2; Shamrock Rovers 3/10.

PREDICTION

UCD 1-2 Shamrock Rovers

UCD

Injured: Evan Osam 

Doubtful: None

Unavailable: Timmy Molloy, Luke Boore, Dan Tobin, Kevin Coffey. 

Suspended: None

Shamrock Rovers

Injured: Sean Kavanagh, Sam Bone.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

 

Tomorrow night sees us return to SSE Airtricity League Premier Division action as we host Shamrock Rovers! Kick off in the UCD Bowl is 7.45pm! #COYBIBpic.twitter.com/ktHwBNrzri

— UCD AFC (@UCDAFC) May 16, 2019