Students look to stop the rot

UCD will bid to pick up their second win of the campaign this evening after a disappointing run of three straight defeats following an opening-day victory over Cork City.

They face a Monaghan United side that has impressed upon their return to the top flight, however.

Monaghan are still looking for their first league win this term, but they got an EA SPORTS Cup win over Fanad United on Monday and will head to the UCD Bowl full of confidence.

UCD have Mick Leahy back in contention, but Paul Corry suffered a setback after picking up a knock the EA SPORTS Cup win over Waterford.

Samir Belhout returned to training on Monday but will not feature. Gary Burke is close to a return.

Paul Whelan, Shaun Maher and John Reilly remain out for Monaghan.

"We know that Roddy Collins will have them fired up, they play attractive football at a high pace," said UCD manager Martin Russell.

"They have competed admirably in each of their games so far I don’t see why it would be any different against us. We know again we have to be on top form again to get what we want, which is obviously a win."

Monaghan United boss Roddy Collins is optimistic despite recent results.

"I believe that we are very close to our opening win in the league and hopefully it will come at the Bowl against UCD," he said.

"I am still missing a few of my key players through injury”.