League Preview: UCD -v- Waterford United

UCD

Collie O’Neill is hoping to build on his first league win in five as UCD host Waterford United in The Bowl on Friday.

O’Neill is faced with selection issues ahead of the game with five regular first team players unavailable for the clash.

“We are hoping to push on now following our good win last week against Cabinteely.’’ said O’Neill ahead of Friday night’s clash.

“Despite the difficult playing surface we did what we had to do to win the game and defensively we were very solid and was particularly impressed with Maxi’s (Kougoun) performance.”

Key midfielder Connor Cannon has featured in every game for The Students this campaign but has been ruled out through injury.

Robbie Benson, Mark Langtry, and Conor Mackey have also all been ruled out while defender Ian Ryan is listed as doubtful with the centre half yet to don the blue jersey this season.

Young starlets Dan Tobin, Dylan Watts, Daire O’Connor and Troy Carey are all unavailable having once again been selected to play for The Irish Schools side that takes on England in Sligo on Friday night.

Chris Mulhall struck the deciding blows against Cabo last week and will hope to add to his two-goal performance. With Benson out, Samir Belhout may well be chosen to start up front with Ryan Swan.

WATERFORD UNITED

Unlike UCD, Waterford failed to convert their chances against Cobh Ramblers and striker William John Kiely will be eager to rectify his last minute penalty miss that denied his team the win.

Despite this, Kiely has managed to score two goals in his last three games and has been showing signs of good form as the season progresses.

Tommy Griffin’s side will be looking to take advantage of UCD’s weakened midfield but will need to improve vastly on last week’s performance against the leagues bottom side.

Referee:Simon Rogers

MATCH STATS

The last time these sides met was in the League Cup in 2012, UCD ran out 6-1 winners that night in Waterford with Cillian Morrison scoring four goals including a hat-trick within the first 22 minutes.

UCD’s strikers have only managed one goal between them in six league games this season.

The average age of Waterford’s squad is 19.7 years old, while UCD’s is 20.5 years old.

BETTING

UCD 4/5; Draw 12/5; Waterford United 3/1.

PREDICTION

UCD 1 – 1 Waterford United

UCD

Injured:Robbie Benson, Conor Cannon, Mark Langtry, Conor Mackey.

Doubtful:Ian Ryan.

Suspended:None.

Waterford United

Injured: Unknown

Doubtful: Unknown.

Suspended: None.