BRAY WANDERERS

Bray Wanderers can secure a Premier Division return for the first time since 2018 when they take on FAI Cup holders Drogheda United in the promotion/relegation playoff final (kick-off is at 2pm).

The Seagulls have impressed in recent weeks following the conclusion of their league campaign - in which they came fifth in the First Division.

Wanderers have seen off UCD over two legs (2-1) and Athlone Town in the First Division playoff decider a fortnight ago.

Though that victory over Athlone was a gripping one having trailed by two at the half-time break at Dalymount Park.

Conor Knight halved the deficit in Dublin 7 on the hour before Cole Omorehiomwan equalised in the last minute before extra time.

The Seagulls then won the tie on penalties with goalkeeper Jimmy Corcoran the hero. 

In terms of team news, Bray welcome Max Murphy back from a ban. Paul Murphy is suspended however with doubts surrounding the fitness of Kieran Cruise, Zach Nolan and Evan Osam.

DROGHEDA UNITED

Drogheda United boss Kevin Doherty reckons his side will enjoy their FAI Cup win even more if they manage to ensure their top-flight survival at Tallaght Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

The Boynesiders are expected to be backed by a crowd of over 3,000 supporters at the Dublin 24 venue - with their fans already selling out the East Stand at the venue.

And they will be buoyant following a deserved FAI Cup triumph over Derry City last weekend, winning 2-0 at the Aviva Stadium. 

It was just the second time they have won the competition.

But Doherty admits it would be even sweeter should they defeat Bray Wanderers and stay up in the top-flight.

“Every single person at the club and supporters and everybody knew from before we even kicked the ball on Sunday how important this game was going to be and that hasn't changed,” he told LMFM. 

“I suppose, as I said, we will look back in years to come, even more fondly on the Cup final, we managed to get the job done on Saturday.”

Drogheda are likely to remain without long-term absentee Zishim Bawa through injury on Saturday afternoon.

Referee: Neil Doyle.

PREDICTION

Bray Wanderers 0 - 2 Drogheda United

Bray Wanderers

Injured: N/A.

Doubtful: Kieran Cruise, Zach Nolan, Evan Osam.

Suspended: Paul Murphy.

Drogheda United

Injured: Zishim Bawa.

Doubtful: N/A.

Suspended: None.

Ruaidhri Higgins steps down as Derry City boss with Patrick McEleney departing https://t.co/9xk3bnTz13pic.twitter.com/RQIUH9ZWJR

— extratime.com (@ExtratimeNews) November 15, 2024