Preview: University College Dublin vs. Sligo Rovers - prediction, team news, lineups

While UCD are at risk of being cut adrift, their solitary win of the season - which was posted away from home - came as recently as earlier this month.

Match preview

At the start of the season, Sligo Rovers, who had finished third in the 2021 table, were showing the kind of form that suggested they could challenge for the title.

However, a six-match unbeaten run has since been followed by two five-game winless streaks, leaving John Russell's side fighting to remain in the top half of the table.

From nowhere, however, Rovers returned to winning ways last time out, getting the better of second-placed Derry City courtesy of a last-minute goal.

Former Southampton youngster Seamus Keogh was the hero on that occasion, the 20-year-old defender registering his first professional strike in a league game.

Although Sligo have been far from perfect of late, they have now scored in 10 successive fixtures, a statistic which will not be lost on their next opponents.

Having come through the second-tier playoffs last season, UCD were always going to be regarded as underdogs this campaign, and their opening 17 fixtures have not suggested otherwise.

Just eight points have been accumulated from that batch of contests, although positives should be taken from half of that tally coming from the last four games.

Before defeats to Shamrock Rovers and Shelbourne, UCD claimed a draw with Dundalk before edging out relegation rivals Finn Harp on away territory.

While boss Andrew Myler will accept that his team must improve considerably during their remaining fixtures, confidence can be taken from earning a 2-2 draw from the reverse fixture against Sligo as recently as April 9.

University College Dublin League of Ireland Premier form:

Sligo Rovers League of Ireland Premier form:

Team News

Having lost to Shelbourne through goals immediately either side of half time, Myler must decide how many changes he should make to his UCD XI.

Adam Vernon appears the most likely to be drafted back into midfield, taking the place of Dara Keane.

Donal Higgins will also come into contention after playing a regular part this campaign, as will playmaker Alex Nolan.

Barring any injury issues, interim Sligo manager Russell is unlikely to make any alterations to his starting lineup.

That would result in Keogh remaining among the substitutes with his match-winning strike versus Derry coming moments after he had been introduced as a late replacement.

University College Dublin possible starting lineup:

Moore; Todd, Yoro, Dignam, Osam, Keaney, Keane, Duffy, Nolan, Caffrey, Kerrigan

Sligo Rovers possible starting lineup:

McGinty; Blaney, Buckley, Kirk, Horgan; Bolger, McDonnell, Morahan, O'Sullivan; Fitzgerald, Keena

We say: University College Dublin 1-2 Sligo Rovers

Having earned as many points over their past six matches as the visitors, UCD will be optimistic of causing a surprise on Friday night. Nevertheless, we have to favour Sligo to edge this contest, even if it is by the odd goal in three, as they bid to close the gap on the top four.

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