League Preview: UCD -v- Bohemians

UCD

After picking up a morale-boosting point at the Brandywell last time out, UCD welcome Bohemians to the UCD Bowl on Monday evening (kick-off is at 7.45pm).

Following a wretched losing streak, Jason McClelland’s winner against Ollie Horgan’s Finn Harps ended the Students grim run of form in their last home game.

The following week saw Collie O’Neill’s charges secure a massive point against the Candystripes with goalkeeper Conor Kearns grabbing many of the headlines with his man of the match performance.

O’Neill has been forced to draft in a whole of the club’s under-19 stars to make up the numbers at his disposal following the loss of his key men to their Premier Division rivals and beyond.

Former captain Gary O’Neill and Neil Farrugia made the switch to Shamrock Rovers, Conor Davis made the move north to join Derry while Timmy Molloy has departed the club following the completion of his degree.

However, former Sligo Rovers midfielder Jack Keaney has joined the club on a scholarship to aid the club’s quest for Premier Division survival.

Back-up goalkeeper Gavin Sheridan may also be in line to return to the matchday squad after his recent involvement with the Irish Colleges and Universities side in Italy concluded on Saturday.

BOHEMIANS

Having hosted a glamour home friendly against Europa League champions Chelsea, Bohemians get back to competitive action on Monday evening when they make the trip south of the Liffey to face UCD at the Belfield Bowl.

On their last visit to the Bowl, the Gypsies secured a fortunate two-goal win over the Students with Danny Mandroiu and Dinny Corcoran on hand to secure all three points for Keith Long’s side.

During their most recent league outing against UCD, the Phibsborough outfit won out by a three-nil score-line after first half scare at Dalymount Park.

However, speaking ahead of the game with his club’s media team, former Student Keith Ward noted his teammates can ill-afford to underestimate the challenge Collie O’Neill’s side possess.  

“You can’t underestimate UCD, they’ve got good young players,” the 28-year-old said.  

“We know they’ve lost some players, but they still have quality and they’ve brought in Jack Keaney from Sligo too.

“They’ve got a win and a draw in their last two games and we are in for a tricky game. We’ve done our homework and we know it will be difficult.”

In terms of team news for Long’s side, defenders Aaron Barry and Rob Cornwall will both be forced to sit out Monday’s action.

In addition, the attacking trio of Danny Grant, Dinny Corcoran and Christian Magerusan all remain out of the squad with injuries.

Full-back Andy Lyons will also play no part in the action at the UCD Bowl due to his involvement with the Republic of Ireland’s under-19 squad for the 2019 European Championships in Armenia.  

Referee: Derek Tomney.

MATCH STATS

The Students goalkeeper Conor Kearns is the only UCD player to have played every minute of every game for Collie O’Neill’s side, with 2,070 minutes of Premier Division action to his name.

Bohemians have the third best away record in the Premier Division with only three defeats on the road for Long’s side. On the other hand, all of UCD’s four wins have come at home, with only a point coming away from home.

UCD have not defeated the Gypsies in seven attempts, with their last win against Bohs coming in August 2013 at Dalymount Park.

Bohemians are unbeaten in their past six competitive games, with their last defeat coming in May against Sligo Rovers at home.

BETTING

UCD 7/1; Draw 4/1; Bohemians 1/3.

PREDICTION

UCD 0 - 2 Bohemians.

UCD

Injured: Unavailable.

Doubtful: Unavailable.

Suspended: None.

Bohemians

Injured: Aaron Barry, Rob Cornwall, Danny Grant, Dinny Corcoran, Christian Magerusan.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

Unavailable: Andy Lyons.