League Preview: UCD -v- Shelbourne

UCD

UCD will be hoping to inflict a first league defeat of the season on Shelbourne as they host the league leaders at the UCD Bowl on Friday night (kick-off is at 7.45pm).

The Students clinched a big win over Ian Morris’ charges last time they played each other in the FAI Cup.

Goals from Colm Whelan and Harvey O’Brien saw Andy Myler’s cruise to victory as a much-changed Shels lost their first competitive game of the season.

UCD could not replicate their win over Shelbourne in their last league outing, however, drawing 1-1 away to Cork City.

Jack Keaney’s free-kick secured a point for the visitors on that occasion as they maintained their spot in the playoffs.

UCD are expected to have a fully-fit squad to choose from this weekend.

SHELBOURNE

Shelbourne will be hoping to maintain their good recent run of form as they take on UCD on Friday night.

The Reds lost last time out at the Bowl against UCD, albeit in the FAI Cup, and drew against Cobh at home in the league last weekend.

“It’s frustrating to not win the game after going ahead twice at home,” Morris said after last week’s draw.

“Credit to Cobh, they stuck in and there second equaliser was a great strike on the edge of the box.

“They were good, they sat in and defended really well. They counter-attacked with real pace and were difficult to break down.

“We should have had the game out of sight in the first-half. We had chances again in the second-half and we just couldn’t put the game to bed.

“We’re still unbeaten in the league and are nine points clear with ten games to go is not a bad position to be in.”

Ahead of this week’s game against the Students, Morris said on his side’s unbeaten run

“It’s nice. Anytime you have something you want to hold onto you hold onto it and you fight tooth and nail to keep it going.

“We’re nine points clear with ten games to go and it’s been good. We just need to pull up our socks now and go to UCD and pick up three points.”

Yoyo Mahdy is expected to return to the fold after a recent knock. Gerardo Bruna remains out. Jack Brady and Denzil Fernandes are expected to stay as doubts.

Referee: Gavin Colfer.

MATCH STATS

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

Shelbourne have only won once in their last four games, earning a 3-1 win away to Athlone Town. However, they remain unbeaten in the league this season.

The Reds have the best away league record in the First Division this season, picking up 20 points from a possible 24 so far.

BETTING

UCD 14/5; Draw 13/5; Shelbourne 3/4.

PREDICTION

UCD 2 - 1 Shelbourne

UCD

Injured: None.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: N/A.

Shelbourne

Injured: Gerardo Bruna.

Doubtful: N/A.

Suspended: N/A.