League Preview: Galway United -v- UCD

Galway United

Despite looking dead and buried midway through this season, The Tribesmen still have a chance to make the First Division playoffs when they Face UCD in their last game of the season on Tuesday night (kick-off 7.45pm).

Even as recently as last Tuesday Galway looked like the playoffs would be beyond their reach this season after losing to Drogheda United 3-1 at home.

John Caulfield’s men showed their determination on Saturday afternoon when they travelled to the Carlisle Grounds and beat the then First Division leaders 1-0 with Carlton Ubaezuonu scoring in the final minute.

United still have a job to do when UCD visit Galway, a win is the minimum result they need otherwise they miss out on any chance at promotion.

They will still be relying on results going their way elsewhere as they look to leapfrog Longford Town or Cabinteely to sneak into the top five.

"We know it will be difficult, it will be our third match in just a week, but we have to win it,” John Caulfield said, speaking to the club’s website.

"Two months ago, we had nothing to play for. Now we're coming into the final game of the season knowing that if we win, we could possibly make the play-offs.

"Against Bray, it was key that we kept a clean sheet, we hadn't kept a clean sheet in the three previous games.

"If we can keep things tight, I always feel that we will create opportunities to score goals in games."

The Tribesmen will be without long term absentee Josh Smith along with Donal Higgins and Enda Curran.

UCD

The Students are in good form coming into their final game of the season with three wins out of their last four.

Their last outing saw them overcome Athlone Town 4-2 with two goals coming from Yousef Mahdy as well as one each from Evan Weir and Colm Whelan.

Andy Myler’s men may be sitting in third place going into the final game of the season but they’re still not quite confirmed to be in the playoffs.

Should Longford Town and Cabinteely secure wins on Tuesday, and if Galway win by four goals or more The Students could drop to sixth place and miss out on their shot at promotion.

The Students will be without the services of Jack Keaney who misses out due to suspension.

Referee: Mark Moynihan

MATCH STATS

Galway United are just two points off the playoffs with Cabinteely currently in fifth place.

UCD and Galway faced each other in September with The Tribesmen winning 3-0 at the UCD Bowl.

The last time The Students won in Eamonn Deacy Park was in March 2014 when they ran out 3-0 winners.

BETTING

Galway United 11/10; Draw 13/5; UCD 9/5.

PREDICTION

Galway United 1–0 UCD

Galway United

Injured: Josh Smith, Enda Curran, Donal Higgins.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

UCD

Injured: None.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: Jack Keaney