League Preview: Galway United -v- Bray Wanderers

GALWAY UNITED

League of Ireland football returns to Eamonn Deacy Park on Friday night as Galway United host Bray Wanderers in the Tribesmen’s opening home game of the 2016 season.

Last Friday, United came from a goal behind to overcome St. Patrick’s Athletic 3-1 at Richmond Park in what was a remarkable turnaround. Last season Pats had the better of Galway during the four times the sides faced each other, including the EA Sports Cup final held at the Corrib venue. This time, however, it was the Westerners who had the last hurrah claiming all three points.

New United signing John O’Sullivan got on the scoresheet against Pats last week and the former Bray player scored the last time the Seagulls visited Eamonn Deacy Park in a 1-1 draw.

In team news, new signing Armin Aganovic is still unavailable with a knee injury while left-back Marc Ludden is out with a foot ailment. Alex Byrne is expected to undergo a late fitness test, but it’s likely the midfielder will sit out Friday’s game.

Speaking to the club's website, manager Tommy Dunne praised his team’s performance in Dublin but now urges his players to re-focus for the visit of Wanderers.

"We worked hard against St Patrick's Athletic,” he said. “Richmond Park is a tough place to go. There were a lot of positives to take from the game and now we're looking to bring those into the Bray Wanderers game. We've got to make sure we're focused.

BRAY WANDERERS

A new-look Bray Wanderers suffered a 3-1 defeat at the hands of league champions Dundalk in their first game of the season, a result that wasn’t entirely unexpected.

The game was marred by Bray’s five yellow cards, and a red card for defender Curtis Murphy, in a performance that had all the hallmarks of a side who are still a work in progress.

Wanderers’ squad is almost unrecognisable from last season with no fewer than 17 new signings with an equal amount leaving the Carlisle Grounds. The sizeable exchange in players is probably no harm for a club that looked doomed in more ways than one during the 2015 season. Manager Mike Cooke has stayed on and this, at least, brings stability to the seaside team.

Friday’s game is the first of three away games Wanderers face in their next four outings and Cooke and his troops will be looking to leave Galway with at least a point in their pockets.

Referee: Anthony Buttimer

MATCH STATS

Bray finished two points clear of Galway United last season

Wanderers scored nine goals in four pre-season games.

BETTING

Galway United 11/8; Draw 23/10; Bray Wanderers 19/10.

PREDICTION

Galway United 2-0 Bray Wanderers

Galway United

Injured: Armin Aganovic (knee) Marc Ludden (foot).

Doubtful: Alex Byrne.

Suspended: None.

Bray Wanderers

Injured: Unknown.

Doubtful: Unknown.

Suspended: Curtis Murphy.