League Preview: Kerry -v- UCD

• Andrew Dempsey
• Fri, Aug 30 2024




KERRY 

Kerry boss Conor McCarthy is expecting a stiff test for his side when they host UCD at Mounthawk Park on Friday night (kick-off is at 7.45pm). 

The Kingdom drew 2-2 away to Longford Town last weekend and will be hoping that they can build on that and a previous 2-2 draw against Bohemians at home in the FAI Cup before losing on penalties.

But they are likely to remain without goalkeeper Antonio Tuta and doubts linger surrounding the fitness of skipper Andy Spain who limped off against Longford last weekend.

“It’s safe to say they are a very good side, some great players and they are very well set up,” McCarthy said on UCD. 

“The players they have are of a very high quality but I think in the three times we’ve played them to date we have been very competitive. 

“The players can take confidence from the games against them to date and I’m sure they are looking forward to getting back into Mounthawk and giving it a right rattle.”

UCD

Skipper Ronan Finn rolled back the years for UCD last week when he provided two assists in a routine 2-0 triumph over Finn Harps.

And the former Shamrock Rovers stalwart will be hopeful that he can build on the level of that performance against the Kingdom on Friday night.

The Sky Blues were easy winners over Harps in the end and have now won in five of their last six games in all competitions.

They are also second in the First Division by virtue of their form, and while they are unlikely to catch leaders Cork City, they are in fine fettle heading into the playoffs.

Of course, they can seal their place in the top-five as early as next month if results go their way.

But before that, they will be wary of the threat that Kerry can pose them having drawn once and only beaten by a single goal twice already this season.

Referee: Alan Patchell. 

 

PREDICTION 

Kerry 0-2 UCD

 

Kerry

Injured: Antonio Tuta.

Doubtful: Andy Spain.

Suspended: None. 

 

UCD

Injured: Matthew Alonge. 

Doubtful: N/A.

Suspended: None. 

Europa League Play-Off Report: Shamrock Rovers 0 - 2 PAOK (0-6 on aggregate) https://t.co/ibI7pXKPespic.twitter.com/86DGWX5wBv

— extratime.com (@ExtratimeNews) August 29, 2024