League Preview: UCD -v- Athlone Town

• Andrew Dempsey
• Fri, Mar 15 2024




UCD 

UCD know that they must record a victory soon to stay in touch with leaders Cork City this evening when they host Athlone Town at the UCD Bowl (kick-off is at 7.45pm).

The Students won their opening night clash against Bray Wanderers but have since lost three on the bounce against Treaty United, Cork City and Wexford.

And that means tonight’s game has taken on an extra layer of significance.

“It’s a massive game for us,” O’Connor explained. “They have won two, drawn one and lost one in their first four.

“If we can get ourselves right and play as well as we can, we can give anyone a game.

“But if we’re at that two percent off we’ll struggle to win any game so it’s just about getting that consistency and bite to get us ready.”

The Students will be once again without Ronan Finn, Luke O’Regan and Alex Dunne for tonight’s game.

Skipper Finn is expected to miss out on the next two months of action with a knee injury.

ATHLONE TOWN 

Winless in their last three, Athlone Town will be looking for a response when they visit Dublin 4 this evening.

Dario Castelo’s side recorded a stunning 3-0 win over Wexford on the opening night.

But two draws in three games, and a defeat away to Finn Harps has taken the momentum out of their start.

Although, they have been without key attacker Jamar Campion-Hinds in the early weeks of the season through injury.

The Co Westmeath side also received news last weekend that international duo Carl Mujaguzi and German Fuentes Rodriguez have been selected for their countries upcoming international fixtures.

Swedish-raised Mujaguzi has received his maiden call-up to Uganda ahead of their international friendlies with Ghana and Comoros. 

Rodriguez has been called up for El Salvador’s fixtures in the US against Bonaire, Argentina and Honduras.

Referee: Alan Patchell.

 

PREDICTION 

UCD 2-0 Athlone Town

 

UCD

Injured: Ronan Finn, Alex Dunne, Luke O’Regan.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

 

Athlone Town

Injured: N/A.

Doubtful: N/A.

Suspended: None.