Bohemians v UCD

• Gareth O'Reilly
• Fri, Aug 02 2013




BOHEMIANS

Bohs welcome UCD on the back of the announcement during the week that Owen Heary is to assume caretaker charge for the next 60 days. Kick Off in Dalymount Park on Friday night is set for 7.45.

 

In injury news Dave Mulcahy is set for a race against time in order to try and get himself ready for Friday’s game having restarted training following an ankle injury. Chris Lyons and Ryan McEvoy are definitely out of Friday’s relegation clash with rib and ankle injuries respectively.

 

There is however some positive news coming out of Dalymount Park as Shane Murray has resumed training and will be available for selection.

 

Caretaker manager Heary was speaking ahead of the game where he will be allowed for the first time back in the dugout having served his suspension.

 

“UCD are not an easy team. Look at their results against [Shamrock] Rovers and how they could have been 2-nil up against Shels last week. Even when they went down to nine men, Shels only beat them 2-1. You can’t take them lightly. Martin [Russell] has done a fantastic job out there.”

 

Having spent the last two games up in the TV gantry Heary feels he has learnt lots about where his side might need improving.

 

“Standing in the gantry you get to see every player and you have a better view than when you’re on the sideline. Against Drogheda I could see that we lost our shape once or twice. Now I’m hoping that the lads will get positive encouragement from having me on the sideline.”


UCD

UCD had arguably the most controversial game that was on show last Friday night when they were beaten by Shels 2-1 after seeing two of their players sent for an early bath. This time round the students have another massive game in the battle to escape relegation as they take on bottom of the league Bohemians.

 

After been sent off last week defenders James Kavanagh and Mark Langtry will both be forced to watch this one from the stands as Martin Russell faces a selection headache with two players missing from the same position.

 

Mick Leahy appears to have recovered sufficiently from his groin injury to at least warrant a place on the bench while Robbie Creevy will face a late fitness test in order to see has he recovered from his injury.

 

Martin Russell is well aware of how important it could be to pick up a win on Friday night as it could see them climb out of the relegation zone.

 

"Our focus is on putting in a performance worthy of taking all three points but we are wary of Bohs as we know they are desperate for the points also. We have to trust the officials, and unlike last week where the crowd seemed to play a huge part in a crucial sending off, we are looking for strong officials and a level playing field."

 

Referee: Paul Tuite.

 

 

MATCH FACTS

Last time these two sides met it was UCD that emerged 1-0 winners in a game that saw 5 yellow cards and one red card dished out.

 

The downward spiral of Bohs season is reflected in the fact that when these played last the Gypsies were 8 points ahead of the students but now find themselves one point behind.

 

Bohs have averaged 1.52 goals per game in the 54 meetings between the side as of opposed to the 0.76 a game that UCD have averaged.

 

 

BETTING

Bohemians 11/10; Draw 11/5; UCD 12/5.


PREDICTION

UCD to come out the right side of a slender 2-1 win.

 

 

Bohemians

Injured: Chris Lyons (bruised ribs), Ryan McEvoy (ankle).
Doubtful: Dave Mulcahy (ankle).
Suspended: None.

 

UCD

Injured:None.
Doubtful: Robbie Creevy.
Suspended: James Kavanagh, Mark Lantry.