UCD -v- Drogheda United

Credit:

Monday night sees the third meeting of UCD and Drogheda United this season, with the Students winning the previous encounters. They are likely favourite to claim the three points on offer. No doubt UCD will be looking to build on their impressive victory over Sligo Rovers on Friday while Drogheda United come into the tie after a crushing 3-0 defeat at the hand of St. Patrick's Athletic.

Injuries are already adding up for UCD, Robbie Creevy will undergo a late fitness test and David O’Connor (hamstring) and Mark Langtry (calf) are out. United are missing defender Victor Ekenham who has a calf strain, while Alan McNally and Stephen McCrossan return to bolster the team.

UCD boss Martin Russell: “We are looking forward to the visit of Drogheda, we are aware that Mick Cooke will have them fired up to try and reverse the win we had there on the opening day of the season. I have belief in our players that if we do things we are capable of we will acquit yourselves well.”

Drogheda manager Mick Cooke: “UCD will obviously be buoyed up after their win against Sligo on Friday but we are hoping to put our performance in Inchicore well and truly behind us and to catch the Students on the hop. It is crucial that we now galvanise and get our first three points on the board.”

Fighting optimism from the two managers, who are hopeful going into the fixture.

UCD
Injured: David O'Connor, Mark Langtry
Doubtful: Robbie Creevy
Suspended: None.

Drogheda United
Injured: Victor Ekenham
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: None.

Referee: Tom Connolly
Paddy Power Odds: UCD 4/7 Draw 5/2 Drogheda United 5/1
Extratime prediction: A one goal win for UCD.