Preview Dundalk V UCD

Having had two weeks off in the League due to the postponed of their game in Sligo last Saturday Dundalk return to league action as they host UCD.

Dundalk were due to play Sligo last Saturday however due to torrential rain a late pitch inspection ruled it unplayable and postponed to a later date(re-fixed for Tuesday 28th May. UCD didn't have that misfortune as the weather in the Capital last Friday didn't affect their game as they came from behind to get a well deserved 1-1 draw against Limerick.

Both sides are on relatively good form lately in their own respectives. Dundalk are sitting 4th at present having won 4 of their last 5 league games. The Lilywhites go into this looking to make it three home wins in a row following their last home victories against Cork(2-0) and Shelbourne(1-0).  UCD are unbeaten in three and whilst they looked in big trouble down the opposite end of the league their late form have created a gap between themselves and basement side Shlebourne. UCD have shown they are no mugs by all accounts having beat the likes of Shamrock Rovers and Bohemians at home and shocked the league as they traveled to the Brandywell and beat Derry 4-2.

The sides last met earlier in the season as the Lilywhites came away from the UCD Bowl victorious with a 2-1 win thanks to goals from John Dillon and Tiarnan Mulvenna.

In team news, Dundalk are only have to cope without the services of Chris Shields once again who is out with a recurring knee problem. They welcome back experienced defender Mark Rossiter after being out with a knee problem. Stephen Kenny might look to rotate some of his squad with  large group of games coming up. John Mountney who impressed in their 1-0 loss in their EA Sports game Tuesday is pushing for a start. UCD have to do without the injured group of  Mick Leahy, Robert Creevy, Tomas Boyle, Sean Russell and Ger Barron. Neither side has any suspension worries.

Manager views ahead of the game:
Speaking to dundalkfc.com ahead of the match, Dundalk manager Stephen Kenny was full of praise for Dundalk’s opponents but three points is his aim.
 “It’s all about three points for us on Friday. UCD were very good last week against Limerick. The results over the last few weeks speak for themselves. To go to the Brandywell and score four and to beat Shamrock Rovers 2-0 means that we’re going to have to be at our best. We have two victories in Oriel Park at the minute, we want three in a row.” 

Speaking to ucdsoccer.com, manager Martin Russell spoke of the impact that Stephen Kenny has had on Dundalk but warned that his side have a desire to extend their unbeaten record.
 "Dundalk have equipped themselves with a competitive squad and Stephen has them organised. We want to keep our unbeaten run going so go up to Oriel Park with a real desire, looking to come away with a good performance and three points.

Match Stat:
UCD have only one win at Oriel Park in the Premier Division since 1999 and that was last September.

Dundalk should prove too much for UCD, However the students have shown the can pull it off after their 4-1 away win to Derry. I'd expect an entertaining game between the two sides and I'd expect goals in their game. 
Verdict: Home win