League Preview: Derry City -v- Bray Wanderers
Derry will welcome Bray Wanderers to the Brandywell on Friday night in a bottom of the table six pointer (Kick off: 7:45pm).
DERRY CITY
Derry will host Bray in what is a huge game at the foot of the table. The Candystripes and caretaker manager Paul Hegarty come into the game on the back of a great point away to Cork following a hard fought win against Shamrock Rovers at the Branydwell the previous week.
Derry are currently in 7th place just two points behind Bray meaning a win at home would see them leap frog the Wicklow men into sixth. With just 12 points left to fight for in the league, Paul Hegarty will be desperate for his Derry side to get a positive result on Friday to continue the recent revival of the Foylesiders who for a time looked to be in serious trouble.
In terms of team news, Derry manager Hegarty will be able to recall the services of Gerard Doherty and Patrick McEleney who both missed out on the trip to Cork last time out. However if the Derry camp are to get a victory it will have to be done without captain Ryan McBride and his defensive partner Aaron Barry who both miss out through suspension.
BRAY WANDERERS
Bray Wanderers make the trip to the North West in what is a massive game for the two clubs who both face a late fight to secure their premier division place for next season.
Despite being in sixth place the Seagulls find themselves just four points above Drogheda who currently occupy the relegation play off place. Bray come into this game off the back of a disappointing 1-0 loss against Cork in the FAI cup semi-final. Mick Cooke will be hopeful of a bounce back when they travel to the Brandywell on Friday as they look to stay clear of the relegation trap door.
Referee: Paul Tuite
MATCH STATS
Bray have got the better of the ties between the two sides this season, winning the fixture at the Carlisle Grounds in July after a 0-0 draw at the Brandywell in April.
Derry and Bray have scored the same amount of goals this season (23) whereas Derry boast the better defensive record in terms of goals conceded (34-41).
Bray have only won three games on the road this season with Derry only have the three wins to show for their home efforts this campaign.
BETTING
Derry City 8/13; Draw 5/2; Bray Wanderers 5/1
PREDICTION
Derry City 2-1 Bray Wanderers
Derry City
Injured: None.
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: Ryan McBride, Aaron Barry.
Bray Wanderers
Injured: Unknown.
Doubtful: Unknown.
Suspended: Unknown.