WHILE UCD could be relegated over the weekend if they fail to beat Bohemians this evening, Bray Wanderers go into their televised match against Cobh Ramblers at the Carlisle Grounds needing a draw to steer clear of the developing scramble at the foot of the Premier Division table.
A point tonight would guarantee safety for Eddie Gormley's men as it would put them beyond the reach of Ramblers. The southerners, however, arrive having won their last three games and a fourth successive victory would leave Bray suddenly needing three points to ensure their top-flight survival, at least until Sunday when Galway visit Derry.
"We won't go for the point," insists Gormley, "we'll go all out to win but they're on a roll at the moment so we know they'll be a tough nut to crack.".
Bray are without Philip Knight (ankle) and Jake Kelly is a major doubt while Stephen Henderson, whose side's fortunes have been revived in recent weeks by the goals of Davin O'Neill and Ross Gaynor, travels without the suspended John Kearney.
At Belfield, meanwhile, UCD manager Pete Mahon has Alan Mahon and Alan McNally suspended for the visit of the champions while Shane Fitzgerald is a doubt with a groin strain.
Bohemians manager Pat Fenlon has said he will look to keep his side's momentum going ahead of the FAI Cup final but he also confirmed after last week's defeat of St Patrick's Athletic he would look to size up some squad members who didn't get too much first-team football in recent times so there may well be changes, something the students may view as providing a glimmer of hope.
Mahon insists neither he nor his players are giving up on their fight for survival yet although he makes little attempt to hide his frustration at the way other teams have apparently been allowed to play fast and loose with the financial rules at UCD's expense.
Bray revealed during the week they had asked their players to take substantial pay cuts as the club strives to balance the books and come in under the 65 per cent salary cap.
They follow Finn Harps, Cobh Ramblers and Galway United - the three clubs immediately above UCD in the table - in struggling to meet their contractual commitments to players and Mahon is less than impressed by the response of league director Fran Gavin.
"He says the league's at a crossroads but really nothing seems to have changed in the last 10 years," he says. "It's the same bus, the same crossroads and the same road signs. The only thing different is the driver."
Finn Harps will be without Shaun McGowan for the visit to Drogheda United but last year's champions have Brian Shelley, Shane Robinson and Richie Baker suspended. The one positive for Paul Doolin is the return from a ban of midfielder Adam Hughes.
In the First Division, Waterford travel to Kildare County without the suspended Willie John Kiely or long-term injury victim Michael Foley.
At Tolka Park, Shelbourne have Damien Brennan back but Phil Gorman will have a late test on a groin strain while Gary McCabe and Darren Forsyth are both ruled out with ankle injuries.
