League Preview: Bray Wanderers -v- Galway United

Bray Wanderers welcome struggling Galway United to the Carlisle Grounds on Friday night (kick-off 7.45 pm). Bray will be looking to build on a great start to the season which sees the Seagulls lying in 4^th place early on. On the other hand, the visiting Tribesmen have failed to win a game thus far this campaign. Even though they have drawn their last three games, Galway find themselves at the foot of the table.

BRAY WANDERERS

Harry Kenny’s Bray side enter this game after a tremendous 3-2 win against Derry City on a very difficult night in Maginn Park, as it was Derry’s first game since the death of captain Ryan McBride. Tim Clancy’s last minute winner ensured Bray continued their trend of being involved in high scoring encounters.

At the beginning of the campaign, Wanderers were tipped to be a surprise package in the Airtricity League and so far, they have not disappointed as they sit in 4^th place just behind last season’s top three Cork, Dundalk and Derry.

Kenny was delighted with the performances in the past week from his side. Saying; “We were delighted to get the three points up in Donegal last Friday night against Derry City in a very emotional charged evening. We rode our luck in the game with Peter pulling off some great saves. On the other hand we scored three excellent goals away from home two of which were worthy of winning any game. We followed this up with a very good 1-0 win in the EA cup up in Drogheda, where we played very well and to keep a clean sheet was very pleasing. We can now look forward to a trip to St Pats in the next round.”

In anticipation of the Galway game, the Dubliner continued, 'We look forward to the Galway game on Friday with some confidence back and we will be doing our best to secure the three points on offer.”

The Bray boss has a few injury concerns ahead of the game and remains without Kevin Lynch, Karl Moore and Conor Earley. However, he is hopeful that star striker Anto Flood will be available.

GALWAY UNITED

Shane Keegan’s men come into this game off the back of a three-game unbeaten run following Monday night’s 1-1 draw with Sligo Rovers at Eamon Deacy Park. However, The Tribesmen have failed to win any of these games which has frustrated Keegan. Speaking to www.galwayunitefc.ie, the former Wexford Youths boss said;

"We need to try and turn the draws into wins, especially the games where we've been the better side.”

Keegan has cited defensive frailties as the reason behind the lack of victories. "If we can cut out those errors, then we should be getting the results we want. We have to produce an error-free game. "Bray are very good going forward with the likes of Gary McCabe, Dylan Connolly and Aaron Greene. They've got some real attacking threats. It will be a big test for us defensively. I think we're up to it, though.”

Keegan is confident that his side will score at the Carlisle Grounds which he feels may be enough to secure all three points. "Bray have been coughing up chances, like ourselves. If you keep a clean sheet then you're possibly coming away with three points because I find it hard to see us not scoring there."

The visitors welcome back Maurice Nugent from a knee injury and Alex Byrne from suspension. However, they will be without key players Gavan Holoahan, Kevin Devaney and Paraic Cunningham through injury.

Referee: John McLoughlin.

MATCH STATS

Since their return to the Premier Division in 2015, Galway have been unbeaten in three meetings the Carlisle Grounds, winning two and drawing one.

In the last six meetings between the sides, Bray have emerged victorious on two occasions with three wins for Galway and one draw.

Overall, Bray and Galway have met on 28 occasions. The Tribesmen edge the head to head encounters with 14 wins to Bray’s nine.

BETTING

Bray 8/11; Draw 13/5; Galway 7/2

PREDICTION

Bray 2-1 Galway

Bray Wanderers

Injured: Kevin Lynch, Karl Moore, Conor Earley.

Doubtful: Anto Flood

Suspended: None

Galway United

Injured: Gavan Holahan (hand), Kevin Devaney (foot), Paraic Cunningham (hamstring)

Doubtful: None

Suspended: None