League Preview: Bray Wanderers - v - Cork City

BRAY WANDERERS

The SSE Airtricity League Premier Division season ends on Friday evening for Bray Wanderers when they host runners up Cork City at the Carlisle Grounds (kick off 7.45 pm).

The Seagulls sit just outside the top half of the table but a win, coupled with a St. Pats defeat, may see them overtake the Inchicore outfit to finish in sixth.

Harry Kenny has been nominated for the PFAI Manager of the Year award and it is no surprise, considering Bray have only lost on two occasions since the beginning of June.

The early season optimism had quickly evaporated before the departure of Mick Cooke. However, Kenny has managed to get the club back on track since his appointment.

The hosts were unfortunate not to pick up all three points at Tallaght Stadium last week as they had the better of the chances on the night agasint Shamrock Rovers. Kenny will have to do without influential midfielder Ryan Brennan who is suspended for Friday’s game.

Bray have been particularly strong at home this season winning half of their 16 games and losing just five. The home support will be hoping to celebrate an unusually steady season for the club with a victory over another stand out league performer in Cork City.

CORK CITY

City supporters must be cursing their luck that their side have played in the same era as the current Dundalk side, otherwise the club would surely have another league title or FAI Cup to its name.

John Caulfield’s men have been league runners up to the Lilywhites for three years running.

On Monday evening, the Rebels trashed Wexford Youths 5-0 at Turner’s Cross, which shows that all roads now lead to an FAI Cup final clash with Dundalk in the Aviva next month, where City will seek some sort of revenge over the Lilywhites.

During the pre-match press conference, Caulfield outlined how he is still looking for a performance out of his players so that they can cement a start in the upcoming cup final.  

“The lads know that places in the starting XI and on the bench for the cup final are up for grabs. It was a great performance on Monday night and the lads who came in did well, so I expect the same again tomorrow night.”

Furthermore, the former City striker praised his player’s efforts. “This year’s team is a phenomenal team. We have scored more goals than in the previous two and we have kept 21 clean sheets in the league so far, but unfortunately for us, it did not get us the league.

“There are a lot of positives but, as I keep saying, the bottom line is that people want silverware; that’s what we are here for. We are working very hard to get there; we have been very close and we have an opportunity next week.”

Garry Buckley looks unlikely to be fit for the game due to a hamstring strain but other than that, Caulfield has a full squad to choose from.

Referee: Robert Hennessey.

MATCH STATS

Bray have an abysmal recent record against Cork City and have only emerged victorious on one occasion in the last ten meetings.

In 2016, Cork have comprehensively defeated Bray 0-2 and 4-0.

28 matches have been played at the Carlisle Grounds between the sides with Cork winning 14 games. Bray have only managed five victories on their home ground with nine games drawn.

BETTING

Bray 13/8; Draw 12/5; Cork City 6/4.

PREDICTION

Bray Wanderers 1-3 Cork City.

Bray Wanderers

Injured: Unknown.

Doubtful: Unknown.

Suspended: Ryan Brennan.

Cork City

Injured: John Dunleavy, Alan Smith.

Doubtful: Garry Buckley.

Suspended: None.