League Preview: Shamrock Rovers - V - Bray Wanderers

SHAMROCK ROVERS

Shamrock Rovers head into tonight’s game against Bray Wanderers at Tallaght Stadium knowing that a victory will secure Europa League football for the 2017 season.

The Hoops currently sit fourth in the Premier Division table and with Cork City and Dundalk set to contest next month’s FAI Cup final at the Aviva Stadium, finishing fourth will see any team qualify for next season’s Europa League.

Rovers are sitting pretty on 51 points, five ahead of Sligo Rovers in fifth.  So, no matter the result of the Bit O’Red’s trip to the Brandywell, a five point gap with one game to play will see the Hoops qualify.

The Hoops can still finish third providing Derry City slip up against Sligo, however, Rovers would also have to beat Bray.

Shamrock Rovers will be without Luke Byrne for Friday night’s game as well as the remainder of the 2016 season; David Webster and Gary Shaw will miss out through suspension; while Pat Cregg returns to the squad following his one match ban, served after being sent-off away at Bohemians.

BRAY WANDERERS

Bray Wanderers will be looking to finish off their season as strongly as possible when they visit Tallaght Stadium on Friday night.

Although there are no European places up for grabs for the Seagulls, Harry Kenny’s men can still finish as high as fifth in the Premier Division table.

Wanderers have suffered just two defeats in their last 15 games and travel to Tallaght understanding that wins from their last two games could set up great momentum for the off-season and the 2017 campaign itself.

Last weekend Bray came from a goal down to beat St Patrick’s Athletic 2-1 at the Carlisle Grounds, a fact that Harry Kenny insists shows the improvement of mental attitude amongst his charges.

“The team’s attitude is stronger than ever – last week we came back from the goal down with energy.  Three out of three is very satisfying and an indication of how strong we have become,” said Kenny.

In previous years Bray squads would have feared trips to play the Hoops, but Kenny believes this couldn’t be further from the truth on this occasion.

“Playing against the club I know so well is a very powerful journey. We will arrive in good spirits – prepared to play a strong side but with the confidence of knowing we have put in the ground work and have high expectations from this game.

“Shamrock Rovers form of late has been quite mixed but we will bring our game to them.

“As we look to final game of the season (next week) against Cork we don’t view it as a dead rubber fixture. Part of the reason for our success is that we view every game as the game,” “Kenny concluded.

Referee: Sean Grant

MATCH STATS

Only Sligo Rovers (9) and Cork City (10) have better defensive records at home than Shamrock Rovers (14) this season.

Bray Wanderers have scored 11 goals away from the Carlisle Grounds this campaign. Only Bohemians and Finn Harps have scored fewer.

In Shamrock Rovers’ last ten games at Tallaght Stadium, the Hoops have failed to score on five occasions.

BETTING

Shamrock Rovers 11/10; Draw 21/10; Bray Wanderers 12/5.

PREDICTION

Shamrock Rovers 1-2 Bray Wanderers.

Shamrock Rovers

Injured: Luke Byrne.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: David Webster, Gary Shaw.

Bray Wanderers

Injured: None.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.