League Preview: Bohemians -v- Bray Wanderers

BOHEMIANS

Keith Long's Bohemians go in search of a win to make up for a couple of surprising defeats when they welcome Bray Wanderers to Dalymount Park (kick-off is set for 7.45 pm).

Following two straight defeats to Galway United in the league and the EA Sports Cup, Bohemians might be forgiven for taking a glance or two over their collective shoulders, but they will hope normal service resumes when they entertain Wanderers.

After all, before they met a resurgent Tribesmen outfit, the Gypsies had been on quite an impressive run of form and were closing in on third place.

Now, they need to take stock of everything once more, re-adjust and compose themselves in an effort to avoid slipping too regularly into that losing habit.

Issuing a rallying call to his players, manager Keith Long had some key advice to offer in the build-up to the clash.

“We're at home, the onus is on us to go out and win the game, and that's the way we approach it. But we know Bray will be a tough game. They're scrapping for points, and there's no easy games in this league.”

BRAY WANDERERS

Heartened, no doubt, by their fantastically courageous 1-0 win over St Patrick's Athletic at home last week, Bray ought to enter into this one with fire in their bellies.

That said, it will be difficult for fans and neutrals alike to easily forget about the other disappointing results which preceded that one.

Losing 8-1 to Dundalk as well as getting annihilated by Galway 5-0 are two nadirs from which they will have trouble recovering, and although their recent win against St Pat's will go some way towards that, their best bet remain against their fellow strugglers in the weeks ahead.

Still though, Trevor Croly remains upbeat and confident his players can continue to turn the corner with another positive result.

“After a good result last week against a St. Patrick’s Athletic team that were unbeaten in their last nine league games, a lot of credit needs to be afforded to the players for their performance and work ethic. On reflection of that result, the challenge now is to develop the mentality to consistently produce performances on a regular basis moving forward. “

Referee: Paul McLaughlin.

MATCH STATS

The last time these sides squared up to each other was back in March when Bohs came away the happier of the two with a slender 1-0 victory on the night.

Before they lost twice to Galway, the hosts were on a four-game unbeaten streak.

As for Bray, their shock win against Liam Buckley's men ended a five-match winless streak.

BETTING

Bohemians 2/5; Draw 10/3; Bray 7/1.

PREDICTION

Whether it's naivety or hopeful cunning, Bray's tails are up. That said, Bohs are going to be extra hungry for the win after recent failures and they have the class to score goals – indeed, if they remember to bring their shooting boots, they will have more than enough to deliver a satisfying drubbing at home.

Bohemians

Injured: None.

Doubtful: Derek Pender, Anto Murphy, Dave Mulcahy, Dean Kelly, Paddy Kavanagh (all facing late fitness tests).

Suspended: Dean Delany.

Bray Wanderers

Injured: None.

Doubtful: Niall Cooney (hamstring), David Scully (foot).

Suspended: None.