Ruaidhri Higgins is gunning for a hat-trick of wins to keep the pressure on leaders Shamrock Rovers.
His Derry City side are aiming to round off a three-win week for the first time since April of last year, when they saw off Bohemians, UCD and Finn Harps inside eight days.
Having picked up wins last Friday against Bohs and on Monday against Dundalk, they can complete the treble tonight against the Students.
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And with Rovers in action against Drogheda United tonight, Higgins knows they can’t afford any slip-ups.
“We haven't won three games in a week since April 2022 so that will be the driving factor for Friday night,” he said.
He won’t be underestimating their opponents, however, despite UCD being rooted to the foot of the Premier Division with just one win in their opening 15 games.
“Everyone in the country expects us to win, but it doesn't work like that,” said Higgins.
“UCD have taken points off Bohemians and Dundalk this season.
“We can't turn our nose up at anyone at all and if we want to finish the week off properly it's really important that we prepare correctly and come into the game fully focused.
“Games in this league will cost you if you don't do that. I remember in 2006 we lost the treble on goal difference having drawn at home with UCD and lost to Waterford.
“We will always respect our opponents and I expect nothing less than a professional performance from us on Friday night.”
Derry have won five of their last six matches, to end a disappointing three-game spell where they picked up just one point - and are now three clear of Bohemians, who have a game-in-hand.
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