League Preview: Wexford -v- UCD

• Andrew Dempsey
• Fri, Feb 21 2020




WEXFORD

After a few years of struggle on the pitch, a rejuvenated Wexford host recently relegated UCD at Ferrycarrig Park (kick-off is at 8pm).    

Wexford have been busy during the off-season, bringing in a raft of signings during the break – with no less than four ex-UCD stars on their panel.

Dan Tobin has 5 full seasons under his belt and made over 100 senior appearances for the students, this season he has made the move down the N11 to Captain Wexford FC. 

He has been by joined by fellow ex-UCD players Conor Crowley, Cian Kavanagh and goalkeeper Tom Murphy.

Manager Brian O’Sullivan will be reasonably happy with his results in pre-season, having two away draws to Shelbourne and St. Patrick’s Athletic already under his belt.

New signings Kaleem Simon and Janabi Amour Jr. have also impressed in the black jersey, while familiar faces Conor English and Sean Roche have also been amongst the goals in pre-season.

In fitness news, Brian O'Sullivan has an almost completely fit squad to choose from, with Malike Hill-Benrouguibi and Liam Berry the two players ruled out through injury.

New signing Karl Manahan took full part in training having fully recovered from illness, as did Janabi Amour, Tom Murphy and Azeez Yusuff who missed some game time through injury in the pre-season. 

Recent loan signee Paul Cleary is available for selection for the opening match after joining yesterday.

UCD

After a difficult return to the top-flight, UCD make their First Division return on Friday evening as they travel to Wexford.

In what will be new boss Andy Myler’s first game in charge of the club, the Students will be looking to start their season of with a bang.

UCD suffered the ignominy of relegation last term after their squad was heavily depleted by a string of player departures in the summer.

However, there appears to be a new dawn on the horizon at Belfield this term, with a number of new recruits joining the club.

Michael O’Keane, Colm Whelan and Michael Gallagher have all joined the club – with new boss Myler left excited by his squad’s potential. 

However, they will have to shake off their poor Collingwood Cup campaign if they are to show that potential, after going at the first hurdle to eventual winners DCU. 

UCD have yet to provide team news.

Referee: Jason Mannix.

 

MATCH STATS

Under their current guise of Wexford FC, the Slaneysider’s are yet to defeat UCD, with the Students winning five of the seven games.

On the Students last visit to Ferrycarrig Park, the then Collie O’Neill managed side earned a handsome 8-0 win.    

BETTING

Wexford 21/10; Draw 12/5; UCD 11/10.

PREDICTION

Wexford 1 - 3 UCD.  

 

Wexford

Injured: Malike Hill-Benrouguibi, Liam Berry.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

 

UCD

Injured: N/A.

Doubtful: N/A.

Suspended: N/A.