UCD v Shelbourne

UCD v Shelbourne Preview

UCD reverted to type last time out in the Irish Premier Division when they slumped to yet another defeat which came in the shape a worryingly heavy 7-0 thrashing at the hands of St Patrick's Athletic and although the college boys hold home advantage at the UCD Bowl on Friday night, their upcoming opponents, Shelbourne, won the last meeting against UCD back in early May.

UCD had previously registered a desperately needed 2-1 home win against Sligo Rovers but this season's campaign has been nothing short of a disaster for the hosts who have lost 17 of their total of 22 matches played to date this term.

10 defeats within their last 12 matches overall in the Irish Premier Division tells its own story for a lacklustre UCD outfit who are totally bereft of confidence (and clean sheets!) as the hosts have managed to achieve just two shut-outs in their 22 matches so far and further disappointment is seemingly just around the corner on Friday night.

UCD have captured just two home wins in their last 11 appearances at the UCD Bowl and the hosts have failed to score in six of these games as well which doesn't bode well for the visit of Shelbourne.

Onto Shelbourne then and by contrast, the visitors have made themselves a tough side to beat under manager, Damien Duff, as his side have lost just two of their last 15 matches overall in the Premier Division, both of which were losses to high-flying St Patrick's Athletic in home and away defeats.

However, five wins and eight draws suggest Shelbourne are the more consistent and more resilient of the two clubs that will be on show at the UCD Bowl on Friday night and the visitors held the upper hand in the previous meeting against UCD, winning 1-0 at home back in early May and Duff's boys will be keen to replicate that result on Friday night.

In addition, Shelbourne have lost just one of their last eight outings on the road along with keeping five clean sheets into the bargain as well, so the visitors look the more likely for the three points in this one.

UCD v Shelbourne Verdict

UCD have had to endure a wretched season so far and they find themselves cast adrift at the bottom of the Premier Division table by a margin of 13 points behind second from bottom outfit, Cork City, prior to Friday night's action.

Shelbourne will be keen to take advantage of UCD's poor form here as the visitors look to put further daylight between themselves and the relegation play-off spot by taking all three points here in what could be a dour, low-scoring affair with perhaps Shelbourne being the only side to register a goal in this clash.

Therefore, our main bet will be Both Teams To Score No @ 1.61 Other side bets worth considering:

Shelbourne win & Under 2.5 goals @ 3.25

Correct score: Shelbourne 1-0 @ 6.00