League Preview: Bray Wanderers -v- Bohemians

BRAY WANDERERS

Bray come into this game on the back of two league defeats and being knocked out of the EA Sports Cup. In fact they have lost all of their competitive fixtures including being knocked out of the Leinster Senior Cup against tonight's opponents Bohemians.

Bray were unlucky in their opening fixture against Drogheda United in what was a very open game two weeks ago at the Carlisle Grounds. They will hope to build on that performance and try to register some points tonight to kick start their season against on form Bohemians.

Last week Bray were beaten 3-0 by St. Patrick Athletic. With Pat's going two goals up within five minutes, the game was over before it started. But Bray did have some good periods including a near miss by Chris Lyons when he was one on one with the Pat's keeper. The Seagulls will hope to have better luck this weekend as they host unbeaten Bohemians.

BOHEMIAN FC

Bohemians come into this game with the opposite record, winning their first two league games easily against Galway United and Limerick. They have also beaten Athlone in the first round of the EA Sports Cup 3-0.

Keith Long does not underestimate Bray who held his side to a 0-0 draw over 120 minutes when they met in the Leinster Senior Cup last month. Long will not be resting any of his players ahead of the game against top of the table Dundalk next Tuesday. Bray need to be treated with respect according to Long and Bohs will give it everything to try and win today.

Long feels there is room for improvement, even though his side easily beat Galway United he felt that they could have kept the ball better. But he was happy to still have picked up the points even though the gypsies did not play at their best.

A Bohemians win tonight will put them back on top of the table tonight for the third week in a row. It is hard to see any other result given both sides recent form.  Even if Keith Long will not look ahead to the next game until after this game, Tuesday night will likely provide a top of the table clash. But first Bohs visit the Carlisle Grounds tonight to see if they can make it three from three and get well on their way to ensuring their escape from the relegation battle. Next Tuesday they might be able to start thinking about the possibility of fighting for one of the European spots.

Referee: Robert Rogers

MATCH STATS

Bohemians have not conceded a goal in competitive matches so far this season. (excluding penalties in the shootout when they beat Bray 4-2 in the Leinster Senior Cup) Bray on the other hand have conceded eight goals in four competitive games. The only clean sheet for the Seagulls came against Bohemians.

At the other end of the pitch Bohemians have scored seven goals, the only defence that kept them scoreless are tonight’s opposition. Bray have been less prolific in front of goals scoring only two goals against non league Crumlin United in the Leinster Senior Cup.

Last season Bohs beat Bray three times and sides shared the points in the other game. The league fixture at the Carlisle Grounds last season was a good night for Bohs who won 5-0, with Dinny Corcoran, who plays for Sligo Rovers this season, scoring a hat-trick.

BETTING

Home 10/3; Draw 23/10; Away 10/11.

PREDICTION

Bray Wanderers 0-3 Bohemian FC

Bray Wanderers

Injured: Unknown.

Doubtful: Unknown.

Suspended: None.

Bohemian FC

Injured: Dave Mulcahy (calf) and Dan Byrne (cruciate).

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.