League Preview: Cork City -v- UCD

• Philip Morrissey
• Thu, Feb 29 2024




CORK CITY

Cork City look to getting back on the winning track again when they welcome UCD on Friday. Kick-off is at 7.45pm.

The Rebels are heading into the game on the back of a tough journey away to Finn Harps.

Having won their opening game, they found themselves behind after only 20 minutes. It was a penalty from Jack Doherty in the second half to draw them level and secure an important point away to the Donegal men.  

It kept up the impressive early season form from the attacker who currently tops the First Division scoring charts.

Tim Clancy knows that Cork City need to try and make Turners Cross a fortress if they are to mount a serious challenge and particularly against a promotion rival.

The likes of Cathal O’ Sullivan and Jaden Umeh could feature again after coming off the bench last weekend.

UCD

UCD are also looking to recover from dropped points last weekend as they travel to Turners Cross.

Having opened their account with an impressive display away to Bray, they were fancied to gain another three points against Treaty.

They went down to a home defeat to the Limerick men thanks to an Enda Curran winner who also missed a penalty.

Ian Ryan’s men know that a response is necessary in order to get their promotion campaign back on track. Especially against a side likely to be challenging with them.

Alex Dunne is set to miss the game after his red card against Bray. Eanna Clancy is a doubt after missing the Treaty game due to injury.

Referee: Chris Sheehan

MATCH STATS

The students have had the upper hand on City in the last two league seasons they played one another. They claimed four of their eventual 11 points in the Premier Division last year against them. They also emerged with two draws and a win in the 2021 First Division that assisted them towards the play-offs and eventual promotion that year.  

BETTING

Cork City 4/9, Draw 3/1, UCD 5/1

PREDICTION

Cork City 2-0 UCD

Cork City

Injured: N/A

Doubtful: Greg Bolger, Malik Dijksteel, Darragh Crowley

Suspended: N/A

UCD

Injured: N/A

Doubtful: Eanna Clancy

Suspended: Alex Dunne