League Preview: Wexford Youths -v- UCD

It’s a battle of Youth verses Students in the First Division as Wexford Youths take on UCD in Ferrycarrig Park. The original fixture was rearranged due to UCD’s European adventures, in a week dominated by FAI Cup action.

WEXFORD YOUTHS

Wexford are off the back of a pretty impressive run, they have won their last four games and are still only a point ahead of Finn Harps, who are in second place.

In their last game, Wexford beat Cobh Ramblers 2-1 in Friday night’s venue, with the in form Danny Furlong grabbing a brace with a goal in each half.

Shane Keegan will be hoping that his side can keep their recent run of form going, and they are in a perfect position to maybe kill off a title challenge from Finn Harps, who are four points behind with a game extra played.

Craig Wall is the only player from Wexford who is out, due to suspension with Shane Keegan otherwise having a fully fit squad to choose from.

UCD

The Students have stuttered of late, losing to Shelbourne in Tolka Park and drawing with Athlone in recent weeks.

Before that, Collie O’Neill’s men hadn’t even dropped a point, since their 5-1 trashing from Slovan Bratislava in the Europa League, hitting Roddy Collins’ Waterford United for five in the process.

UCD could overtake Finn Harps in second with a win tomorrow night, who they are only 2 points behind with one game less played.

There has been no word of team news coming from the UCD camp, but Greg Sloggett and Samir Belhout both missed the Shelbourne game with a groin and knee problem respectively.

Referee: John McLoughlin.

MATCH STATS

The last time these two played each other, it ended in a 4-1 win for the Students in Belfield. Tomas Boyle, Dylan Watts and a brace from Ryan Swan found that net for UCD that night, with Aidan Keenan finding a consolation for Wexford.

These two teams will meet again next week in the UCD Bowl, before the Students travel up to Finn Park in what looks set to be a crunch game in the promotion battle.

BETTING

Wexford Youths 8/5 Draw 9/4 UCD 6/4.

PREDICTION

Wexford Youths 2-1 UCD

Wexford Youths

Injured: None.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: Craig Wall.

UCD

Injured: Unknown.

Doubtful: Unknown.

Suspended: Ryan Swan, Jack Watson.