Sligo Rovers -v- Bray Wanderers

SLIGO ROVERS

Sligo Rovers continue their push to retain the Airtricity League title when they entertain Bray Wanderers at The Showgrounds on Saturday evening.

The Bit O'Red received a massive boost last week when they recorded a 2-1 win away to Derry City which moved them up to third in the table and within four posts of League leaders St. Patrick's Athletic.

Ross Gaynor and Iarfhlaith Davoren (both knee) are sidelined while Gavin Peers is suspended. David McMillan is rated as doubtful after missing training this week due to an infection. Long-term injury victims Danny Ventre and Aaron Greene return to the squad.

Speaking to sligorovers.com, Ian Baraclough expects a similar performance from his side as last weekend, but also believes Bray will go to Sligo to defend and frustrate the champions.

“All areas of our game were strong against Derry. We attacked well, threatened in wide areas, we were strong down the middle and defended solidly throughout. It was an excellent performance. We have to make sure we go out and produce the same type of display against Bray. The group are in good form, we are in a good place mentally and ready for the challenge in store this weekend. 

“I expect Bray will try to frustrate us and get men behind the ball, we are likely to command a lot of possession and have to make good use of it. In our previous home game against Shamrock Rovers, we did really well but didn’t make it count with a goal. 

“Bray are a danger when breaking forward, they’re very well organised as we have discovered before and it will be another test for ourselves at home."

BRAY WANDERERS

Bray Wanderers visit The Showgrounds this weekend on the back of a seven game winless streak as they aim to pull away from the relegation zone.

Wanderers remain 11th in the table following a 1-1 draw with Shelbourne at the weekend, who they are currently level on points with. A draw would be enough to lift them out of the bottom two, depending on results elsewhere.

The visitors have no injury concerns going into this game, with Ismahil Akinade being the only absentee through suspension.

Bray boss Pat Devlin to braywanderers.ie that he felt last week's draw was another case of a deserved three points that evaded them but is hopeful his side's luck can change at Sligo Rovers.

"It was another game we should have won but didn't, but we will just keep going and hope our luck  changes because we deserve a break".  

"We are looking forward to going to the Showgrounds, our attitude to date has been very good and our play has been good, we need to polish up on a few things and hope we get the breaks".

Referee: Rob Rogers

MATCH STATS

Alan Keane will make his 200th appearance for Sligo Rovers if he plays on Saturday.

Since returning to the Premier Division in 2006, Rovers have never lost to Bray Wanderers at home, dropping points just once in a 1-1 draw last season.

Bray have struggled for goals in The Showgrounds in that time, scoring five times in 12 games there.

BETTING

Sligo Rovers 1/4; Draw 9/2; Bray Wanderers 9/1.

PREDICTION

Sligo Rovers 2-0 Bray Wanderers

Sligo Rovers

Injured: Ross Gaynor, Iarfhlaith Davoren (both knee).

Doubtful: David McMillan.

Suspended: Gavin Peers.

Bray Wanderers

Injured: None.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: Ismahil Akinade.