League Preview: Galway United -v- Bray Wanderers

Bray Wanderers travel away to Galway United with both sides knowing that a win could see them sit at sixth place in the table by the end of the weekend. Kick-off is 7.45pm.

GALWAY UNITED

Galway do already sit in sixth place on twenty-two points although Longford Town are only below them due to Galway having scored more goals, eight to be exact. The bigger worry for the Tribesmen is that a loss could see them within three points of the relegation play-off place. They pushed relegation thoughts away last time out in the league as they won 4-2 over basement side Limerick.

Manager Tommy Dunne spoke to galwayunitedfc.ie about Galway’s need to consolidate their place in the table and how the Bray game will be “a hugely important fixture.” The Galway manager said, “We’re looking to pick up as many points as possible between now and the end of the season,” before he added that, “we’re focusing on each game and we’re determined to consolidate our position in the Premier Division.”

On facing the Seagulls, the Galway boss said, “We know Bray will be a difficult game, they’ve appointed Mick Cooke, who is an experienced manager and excellent coach and they’re in good form.” Dunne still felt his side had a chance as he added, “We’re always confident in our own abilities and if we can apply ourselves and bring our own good form into the game, we should get a positive result.”

Top goalscorer Enda Curran is doubtful for the match against Bray along with Jason Molloy. Defender Andy O’Connell is still unavailable for selection due to injury.

BRAY WANDERERS

Just over a month ago, Bray sat on eleven points, six away from winless Limerick, after a 1-0 loss to Cork City. Madness at the club had come before the loss and since after but somehow Bray now find themselves in ninth and fourteen points away from Limerick and four away from eleventh. Three 1-0 wins under three different coaches has propelled them up the table although not away from danger just yet.

Trevor Croly was still in charge for the victory over Sligo Rovers but left before the Limerick game, which saw Dave Cassidy step into the dugout as they overcame the Superblues thanks to a late Dave Scully freekick. Mick Cooke has since been appointed and he saw a win in his first game as Adam Hanlon secured Bray all three points at home to Derry.

An incredible shift in the Segulls’ defensive performance has done wonders to the team and has been the solid structure to their upward rise. The side conceded twenty-nine goals in their first twelve matches before Trevor Croly came in and now they have conceded just two in their last seven fixtures.

The trip to Galway may be just one game too soon for some of Bray’s key players. Stephen McGuinness is still out through injury while Peter McGlynn is suspended due to accumulating five yellow cards. Captain Dave Cassidy and centreback Alan McNally are also doubts.

Referee: Sean Grant

MATCH STATS

Last time these two sides met in the league, Galway won 5-0 in the Carlisle Grounds back in April. Enda Curran scored a hat-trick with Ryan Connolly and Padraic Cunningham adding the others.

Galway and Bray have drawn the least and second least amount of games, one and two respectively. Bray drew 0-0 away to Bohemians and Derry City while Galway drew 1-1 away to Sligo Rovers.

Galway have only won three of their nine homes games.

BETTING

Galway United 8/13; Draw 14/5; Bray Wanderers 4/1.

PREDICTION

Galway United 2-1 Bray Wanderers.

Galway United

Injured: Andy O’Connell.

Doubtful: Jason Molloy, Enda Curran.

Suspended: None.

Bray Wanderers

Injured: Stephen McGuinness.

Doubtful: Dave Cassidy, Alan McNally.

Suspended: Peter McGlynn.