UCD v Shamrock Rovers Match Preview: 09-06-2011.

UCD will be hoping to put their recent poor league form behind them when they take on leaders and champions Shamrock Rovers at the Belfield Bowl on Friday night (7.45.p.m)

The Students, currently sit third from bottom of the table, have lost four of their last five Premier Division matches. However they were boosted by last Friday night's hard fought FAI Cup third round victory over intermediate sight Cherry Orchard.

UCD manager Martin Russell is under no illusions about the task facing his side "We won’t be underestimating the challenge facing us in the form of Shamrock Rovers, who have an even better squad than last season. It’s a challenge for all our players and a great platform from which we can build in terms of experience for our young side. All those involved are relishing the opportunity to play and hopefully beat the league leaders" Russell told the UCD website.

Robbie Creevy, David O'Connor and Graham Rusk are all expected to be fit for the game. However Tomas Boyle remains a doubt with a hamstring problem.

Rovers for their part have won three of their last five league matches and they hammered Athlone Town 4-0 in the FAI Cup last Friday night. The Hoops currently lie two points clear of Sligo Rovers at the top of the Airtricity Premier League. Their only two league defeats this season so far have come against Bray Wanderers.

Rovers manager Michael O'Neill has no injury worries to report. However Enda Stevens will miss the game through suspension. Rovers beat UCD 3-1 in the two sides previous meeting in the league on April 22^nd at the Tallaght Stadium.

UCD

Injured: None.

Doubtful: Tomas Boyle (hamstring).

Suspended: None

Shamrock Rovers

Injured: None

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: Enda Stevens.

Referee: Graham Kelly.

Betting: UCD: 6/1 Draw: 11/4 Shamrock Rovers: 1/2

Extratime.ie Prediction: UCD 1-2 Shamrock Rovers. 

© Seamus Egan 2011.