League Preview: Bray Wanderers -v- Shelbourne

Sixth-placed Bray Wanderers play host to table-topping Shelbourne at the Carlisle Grounds on Saturday afternoon, in what will be an intriguing encounter. (Kick-off 3:00 pm)

BRAY WANDERERS

Bray come into this game with mixed emotions, as they have lost two of their games last week, one in the league and the other in the League Cup. 

However, they have won their last two league games at the Carlisle Grounds.

Last week, they disappointingly lost 1-0 at Cobh Ramblers last Friday night. Ian Turner's goal 12 minutes into the second half condemned the Seagulls to their fifth away defeat of the season.

Gary Cronin's men are much stronger at home however, winning five, drawing one and losing one. The two teams to take points at the Seaside venue were Athlone Town (won 1-0 in March) and Cabinteely (drew 1-1 in April).

However, they've beaten Limerick, Cobh, Drogheda United, Galway United and Wexford at the Quinsborough Road venue.

There is only six points between Bray and Shels in the table as it stands , so a win on Saturday would go a long way in Cronin and Co's quest for promotion back to the Premier Division.

Bray Wanderers have a full squad to choose from.

SHELBOURNE

Shels boss Ian Morris says he has been impressed bond between his players which has cultivated itself so far season coinciding with his team’s recent great form.

Shels sit top of the SSE Airtricity League First Division heading into Saturday’s away fixture against fellow promotion hopefuls Bray Wanderers.

“Confidence is high at the moment; we’re picking up good results which is very pleasing. I think coming up to the break, it’s an important two games to pick up results, in order to be in a good position when we go into that break,” Morris told shelbournefc.ie in the lead up to Saturday’s game.

“We’re looking forward to Saturday, we should have a good following and the pitch is in good condition so we’ll be looking to pass the ball and keep another clean sheet,” the 32-year-old ex-Bohemians player told his club’s website.

Shels won 1-0 last time out against second place Longford Town – thanks to a 79^th minute Conan Byrne penalty.

A solid back line despite recent injuries has been key to the Reds recent good run of form, according to Morris.

“It’s about being organised and people knowing their roles, doing set pieces, everyone knows what's needed when they come into the team,” he said.

“Bray are on a really good run, picking up results and they need to pick up a win on Saturday so it’ll be a good game,” Morris concluded.

Derek Prendergast and Luke Byrne look set to return with JR Wilson and Dan Byrne nearing a return to action, but still remain out for this one.

Referee: Eoghan O’Shea.  

MATCH STATS 

Bray have a solid home record of five wins, a draw and a loss from eight games. Meanwhile, Shels have an inconsistent away record of three wins, a draw and three defeats from their seven away fixtures.

Darragh Noone returns to his old employers from last season, as does his teammate Karl Moore, who played for the Seagulls in 2017.

Bray's Dylan McGlade had a two-year spell with Shelbourne in 2013.

In the last game between the pair on April 5, a Lorcan Fitzgerald penalty in the first-half gave Shelbourne a 1-0 win at Tolka Park.

Bray are unbeaten in their last five league games at home, winning four of those.

Shelbourne have won their last four games in-a-row, and have lost just once in their last nine.

BETTING

Bray Wanderers 6/4; Draw 2/1; Shelbourne 13/8.

PREDICTION

Bray Wanderers 2-1 Shelbourne.

Bray Wanderers

Injured: None.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

Shelbourne

Injured:JR Wilson, Dan Byrne.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.