Bray Wanderers -v- Dundalk

BRAY WANDERERS

Despite winning their opening game of the season, Bray Wanderers have found the going tough this campaign and are in desperate need of a result against high-flying Dundalk on Friday evening at the Carlisle Grounds.

The Seagulls have lost their last six games, including Monday’s defeat to Cork, and are lying dangerously close to the foot of the table, having picked up just a single point from the last 27 on offer.

Pat Devlin’s side have struggled to break down opposition defences as well as leaking goals at the other end. The departure of key players such as Sean Houston and Dane Massey during the winter didn’t help but Bray will need to rectify their defensive frailties if they are to avoid being dragged into a relegation battle.

With an inexperienced and small squad to work with, injuries haven’t made life easier for Devlin and the hosts will be sweating over the fitness of Kieran Marty Waters, Shane O'Neill and captain Danny O’Connor, who are all doubtful for the visit of Dundalk. However, Kevin O’Connor is fit again after a month on the side-lines with a knee injury and has been added to the squad for Friday’s clash.

Looking ahead to the game, Devlin knows the size of the task in hand for his players; “Dundalk are a very good side and they got off to a great start to the season. They made some good additions to their squad and again this is going to be another difficult game for us.” He added.

DUNDALK

Dundalk will be hoping to maintain their fine start to life under Stephen Kenny in the last game of the first series when they visit the Carlisle Grounds on Friday.

The Lilywhites are unbeaten away from home this season and have won their last four on the road, one of the main reasons why they find themselves in fourth position after nine games.

The Oriel Park club finally clinched their first home victory at the sixth attempt last week with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Cork City, meaning they recorded back-to-back league victories for the first time since June 2011.

Stephen Kenny has John Dillon at his disposal again after suspension but former Seagull Chris Shields has been ruled out with a knee injury. John Mountney, who impressed in the win over Cork hasn’t trained all week and faces a late fitness test on a calf injury.

“We have been playing well recently, our results have shown that. It is going to be a tough game away to Bray Wanderers. They aren’t a bad side and played very well on Monday evening against Cork City. We will have to be at our best and we know that.” Kenny told dundalkfc.com

Referee: David McKeon.

MATCH STATS

The sides have met 44 times in all competitions with Bray winning 15, losing 17 and drawing 12.

Bray have failed to score in five of their nine league games this season.

The Seagulls have conceded at least 2 goals in 8 of their last 9 matches in the Airtricity League.

Dundalk have won their last 4 away matches in the league.

BETTING

Bray Wanderers 7/2; Draw 5/2; Dundalk 3/4.

PREDICTION

Bray 1-3 Dundalk

Bray Wanderers 

Injured: None.
Doubtful: Kieran Marty Waters, Shane O’Neill, Danny O’Connor.
Suspended: None.

Dundalk

Injured: Chris Shields (knee).
Doubtful: John Mountney (calf).
Suspended: None.