Two teams in the bottom half of the League of Ireland Premier table will meet on Friday as University College Dublin continues to try and push themselves off bottom place as they host Shelbourne.

Due to a postponement, the visitors ended up with a game off last weekend and will now be looking to get straight back into action with a bang.

Match preview

The campaign has been a tough one for University College Dublin, but during their last outing they were able to bring an end to their six-match streak without a victory.

Andrew Myler's men pulled out a rare victory, which was only their second of the entire campaign when they made the trip to Sligo Rovers, as they continue to fight for survival.

A first-half goal by Donal Higgins was followed by one from Dara Keane in the 63rd minute, and after keeping a clean sheet at the other end of the field, a crucial three points was earned.

Now the squad returns home for their latest fixture, but it is in front of their own supporters where they have struggled the most, as the squad has not won a single game at the UCD Bowl in the league this season.

Despite that, they are now level on points with Finn Harps who sit above them in the relegation playoff spot, which will give them plenty of hope heading into Friday.

For the visitors, they are aiming to push themselves further up the table as well with Shelbourne currently sat in seventh position.

A run of victories could easily see them make some moves though, with only eight points separating them and fourth place, which will be an aspiration for the club.

After their expected game last week against Shamrock Rovers was postponed, Shelbourne have not played since July 8th when they picked up a win against Finn Harps.

Gavin Molloy scored a first-half brace, which was then followed up by a goal later in the game from Jack Moylan, which is a result they shall be hoping to repeat this time around.

When the two teams met earlier in the season it was Shelbourne who came out on top with a routine 2-0 victory, which was wrapped up with goals on either side of the break.

Team News

Sam Todd dropped out of the University College Dublin side for their previous game due to a red card, and considering they kept a clean sheet it is likely that Michael Gallagher will retain his place in the heart of the back four.

At the other end of the field, the hosts are going to still be without their leading goalscorer Colm Whelan who is sidelined at the moment with a cruciate ligament injury.

Shelbourne recently captured the signing of former Norwich City right winger Josh Giurgi, and he will have the chance to make his debut for the club this week.

Daniel Hawkins and Sean McSweeney both missed out on Damien Duff's most recent squad due to injury, but after a long break, they could be potential options, while Mark Coyle is back to full fitness.

University College Dublin possible starting lineup:
Healy; Dunne, Gallagher, Keaney, Osam; Higgins, Caffrey; Ryan, Keane, Nolan; Lonergan

Shelbourne possible starting lineup:
Clarke; Farrell, Griffin, Byrne, Ledwidge, Kane; Molloy, Lunney, Moylan; Giurgi, Hakiki-Filloche

We say: University College Dublin 1-1 Shelbourne

Shelbourne head into this match as the firm favourites simply due to the league positioning and the poor home form of the hosts throughout this season.

Yet with a victory in their last outing, University College Dublin could be out to put in another strong performance, potentially earning another point in the process.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.

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