FAI Cup Preview: UCD -v- Shelbourne

UCD

After enduring a difficult few weeks, UCD will be looking to get their season back motoring in the FAI Cup, as they host Shelbourne in the first-round of the competition on Friday night (kick-off is at 7.45pm).

The Students have struggled in recent weeks, winning just three times since their 3-1 loss away to Shelbourne at the end of May, and losing four in that time.

Only one of those victories has come at home, and that was over bottom of the table Wexford, while they have also seen off Athlone Town and Cabinteely on the road.

Their last outing saw them crash to a costly 2-1 defeat away to Treaty United, with a Jack Lynch brace punishing some lax defending.

But they will be hoping that the FAI Cup can offer some respite to them as they look to inject some much-needed momentum into their fledgling season.

In terms of team news, UCD have no suspensions to contend with for tonight’s game.

SHELBOURNE

Shelbourne’s attention switches to the FAI Cup this weekend as they get set to take on Dublin rivals UCD at the UCD Bowl.

The Reds are unbeaten so far in the 2021 season, and they will be hoping to continue that run of form in the FAI Cup.

Shels won last time out away to Athlone Town, with Dayle Rooney and Shane Farrell netting, and their fervent away support will be hoping that they can build on that in this year’s cup.

“The fans have already been fantastic, and it’s made a massive difference to the players which we hope can just keep growing,” Shels boss Ian Morris said.

“The players have had to stay hydrated and prepare well which they have been doing every evening.

“It was a massive credit to them in that heat which was tough last week, and it will be the same again Friday,” he added. 

Shels will be boosted by the arrival of new recruit Eric Molloy who joined the club from Waterford.

But they remain without injured pair Gerardo Bruna and Yoyo Mahdy, with Mahdy nearing a return to full fitness.

Referee: David Dunne.

MATCH STATS

Remarkably, this will be the first time UCD and Shelbourne will face one another in the FAI Cup.

Shelbourne have not lost an away game since last season’s humbling 4-1 exit at the hands of Athlone Town in the FAI Cup. During that time, however, they have only racked up one clean sheet on their travels.

UCD have only lost once at home to Shelbourne in their last seven competitive versus the Reds at the UCD Bowl. That defeat came in 2017 as the Owen Heary managed side ran out 2-1 winners.

BETTING

UCD 11/5; Draw 13/5; Shelbourne 10/11

PREDICTION

UCD 1 - 2 Shelbourne

UCD

Injured: N/A.

Doubtful: N/A.

Suspended: None.

Shelbourne

Injured: Gerardo Bruna, Yoyo Mahdy.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.