UCD vs Drogheda United predictions for Friday Irish First Division affair. The hosts continue their quest to avoid relegation and a win in this clash would be crucial. Read on for all our free predictions and tips.
Match Live Friday, 14th July at 7:45 pm In:
UCD vs Drogheda United Predictions
[wptb id="393902" not found ]Battle at the Basement: Drogheda United vs University College Dublin – A Key Fight for Survival
Key Stats
– UCD have conceded four or more goals on seven occasions this season, pointing to a potential scoring opportunity for Drogheda.
– Drogheda’s goalkeeper Andrew Wogan and centre-back Conor Keeley were featured in the Premier Division Team of the Week, indicating a sturdy defensive line against UCD’s attacks.
This Friday sees Drogheda United venturing into a crucial face-off with University College Dublin (UCD). As the latter partakes in a fierce battle to survive the League of Ireland Premier, Drogheda are looking to gain some traction and distance themselves from the precarious drop zone.
The Struggles of University College Dublin
UCD, languishing at the bottom of the Premier Division, are grappling with a losing streak that seems hard to break. The past two league matches have seen them with a crippling aggregate defeat of 11-0. The leadership of Andrew Myler hasn’t brought much relief for the team, who have managed to gather a meagre nine points from 23 games. Adding to the string of disappointments, the side suffered their 18th defeat at the hands of Shelbourne last week.
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A week after the 7-0 annihilation by St Patrick’s Athletic, UCD met a similar fate, losing 4-0 against Shelbourne. This marked the seventh occasion this season where UCD conceded at least four goals. However, UCD have tasted some home victories, including a 2-1 win against Drogheda in October 2022, and their two league triumphs this season against Cork City and Sligo Rovers. These wins might serve as an impetus as they face Drogheda in the upcoming clash.
Drogheda United: A Battle for Redemption
Kevin Doherty’s Drogheda, on the other hand, come into this fixture with their own set of struggles. Despite their commendable performance against league leaders Shamrock Rovers last week, they haven’t tasted victory in their last three matches. The team, currently positioned eighth in the league, would be keen on claiming this match to distance themselves from the relegation playoff spot, currently occupied by Cork.
Drogheda’s away form is another concern for Doherty, having won only two of their last eight away matches. However, they have a reason to be confident, having already claimed a 3-1 victory against UCD on their own turf earlier this season.
Team News and Analysis
A couple of key players might make a difference in this fixture. For UCD, Sean Brennan and Adam Verdon, who returned to the starting lineup last week, could retain their spots. Jake Doyle, their central striker, has been in good form, scoring two out of his three league goals in his last five appearances.
Newcomer Michael Raggett, who debuted against Shelbourne, may also feature on the right wing, while Daniel Norris is likely to play on the opposite flank. For Drogheda, goalkeeper Andrew Wogan and centre-back Conor Keeley, both recognised in the Premier Division Team of the Week, are set to feature in the starting lineup.
Predictions
Based on the BettingTips4You Expert Rating and the statistical data provided, a likely outcome would be a Drogheda win with one goal handicap. Although UCD have won some key matches on home soil, their recent form, including heavy losses and a sparse goal record, doesn’t inspire much confidence. Drogheda’s previous victory against UCD this season and their relatively better form add weight to this prediction.
In terms of the correct score prediction, a 2-0 victory in favour of Drogheda seems plausible. This is based on the average goals per game data for both teams and the recent form of the UCD defence.
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