League Preview: Bray Wanderers -v- UCD

BRAY WANDERERS

Bray Wanderers are looking to bounce back after last Friday’s defeat against Cork City at Turner’s Cross.

This Friday they have a home game against U.C.D. Bray lie in 7^th position, just one point and two places above U.C.D which increases the importance of this game even at this early stage of the season. Bray has put in some positive performances in the early stages of the league with a win and a draw among their first three results. However, last Friday saw the Seagulls slump to their first defeat despite another creditable performance.

Bray manager Alan Mathews will have to cope without Danny O’Connor who is recovering from a groin injury and defender Eric McGìll, who picked up a hamstring injury in the game in Cork.

Alan Mathews was keen to accentuate the positives from last Friday’s game.

“The result was disappointing but we could take a lot of positives from our performance and on another day we could very well have taken something from the game.”

He expects U.C.D to provide a considerable challenge this Friday.

“It is going to be tough, they had a good win last Friday night against Athlone Town and the previous week they were very unlucky to lose out to St. Pats. We know it is going to be tough and we know what to expect.”

U.C.D

The Students travel to the Carlisle Grounds after a confidence boosting victory at home over Athlone Town last Friday.  

As things stand they are 9^th place in the league, with only a three point advantage on bottom club Athlone Town. Their only points in the league this season has come at the expense of the bottom club with their other two games ending in defeat to Bohemians and St. Patrick’s Athletic.

They have scored four goals so far in the league but at the other end they have conceded seven which is a statistic that will need to improve to avoid another season involved in a relegation scrap.

The sides met at the Carlisle Grounds twice in the league last season with both games ending in draws. In March the sides drew 2-2 and in September it ended 1-1. 

Speaking ahead of Friday nights clash with Bray, U.C.D’s boss Aaron Callaghan spoke of his hopes for the game.

“Tactical organisation is key against Bray who have also started well. Our players must solve problems on the pitch and as they arrive which will help them build awareness and responsibility on the field. If they do this they will succeed in growing as individuals and as a group.”

Referee: Anthony Buttimer

MATCH STATS

Bray Wanderers and U.C.D. have not played out a draw in the last 34 meetings in all competitions

The last scoreless draw was in January 2003 in Belfield in a First Division meeting.

The last 15 meetings between the sides have produced an average of over four goals per game, with 62 goals being scored in the 15 games

BETTING

Bray Wanderers 6/5, Draw 11/5, U.C.D, 11/5.

PREDICTION

Bray Wanderers 2 - 1 U.C.D

Bray Wanderers:

Injured: Danny O’Connor (groin) and Eric McGill (hamstring).

Doubtful: Shane O’Neill (groin) and Adam Mitchell (hip).

Suspended: None

U.C.D

Injured: Samir Belhout (illness).

Doubtful: Robbie Creevy

Suspended: None.