Dundalk -v- Bray Wanderers
Credit:
Dundalk welcome second in the table Bray Wanderers to Oriel Park on Friday evening aiming to put a stop to the ‘Seagulls’ recent charge up the league table while simultaneously kick starting their own league campaign that has so far failed to live up to expectations. (Kick off, 7.45pm)
Bray go into what would appear to be a difficult away encounter brimming with confidence after a run of three consecutive league victories while Dundalk have lacked consistency so far this year, winning only one of their last three league games.
If Bray can muster a victory it would represent their best ever start to a Premier League campaign and will equal their longest winning streak, set way back in 2008. After last week’s win over Galway United, Pat Devlin seemed happy with his team but was wary of getting carried away.
"We dug out a win and three points and we now move on. It’s going to be tough, they are in the Setanta Sports Cup Final and they have some very experienced players. It will be a real test for us and we are looking forward to it".
Dundalk have lost on each of the last three occasions that the teams have met and manager Ian Foster recognises the level of difficulty his side will face this Friday. But he is confident his side can continue their unbeaten record at home this season, the only side in the Premier League who have yet to lose on home turf. However, Bray fans will point to their sides 100% away record, a run that has seen them gain maximum points at St Patrick’s Athletic, UCD and Shamrock Rovers.
“We found it very difficult against Bray last season and I’m sure this Friday will be exactly the same. Obviously, they have had a fantastic start to the season. But we always fancy ourselves at home. If we play in the manner that we can then the opposing teams might find it difficult to play against us too.”
Dundalk:
Injured: Greg Bolger, Stephen Maher, Eoghan Osbourne.
Doubtful: Dean Bennett, Shane Guthrie.
Suspended: None.
Bray Wanderers:
Injured: Gary Shaw, Stephen Brennan.
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: None.
Referee: Richie Winter.
Paddy Power Odds: Dundalk 5/6; Draw 23/10; Bray 16/5.
Extratime prediction: A 1-1 draw.
Bray go into what would appear to be a difficult away encounter brimming with confidence after a run of three consecutive league victories while Dundalk have lacked consistency so far this year, winning only one of their last three league games.
If Bray can muster a victory it would represent their best ever start to a Premier League campaign and will equal their longest winning streak, set way back in 2008. After last week’s win over Galway United, Pat Devlin seemed happy with his team but was wary of getting carried away.
"We dug out a win and three points and we now move on. It’s going to be tough, they are in the Setanta Sports Cup Final and they have some very experienced players. It will be a real test for us and we are looking forward to it".
Dundalk have lost on each of the last three occasions that the teams have met and manager Ian Foster recognises the level of difficulty his side will face this Friday. But he is confident his side can continue their unbeaten record at home this season, the only side in the Premier League who have yet to lose on home turf. However, Bray fans will point to their sides 100% away record, a run that has seen them gain maximum points at St Patrick’s Athletic, UCD and Shamrock Rovers.
“We found it very difficult against Bray last season and I’m sure this Friday will be exactly the same. Obviously, they have had a fantastic start to the season. But we always fancy ourselves at home. If we play in the manner that we can then the opposing teams might find it difficult to play against us too.”
Dundalk:
Injured: Greg Bolger, Stephen Maher, Eoghan Osbourne.
Doubtful: Dean Bennett, Shane Guthrie.
Suspended: None.
Bray Wanderers:
Injured: Gary Shaw, Stephen Brennan.
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: None.
Referee: Richie Winter.
Paddy Power Odds: Dundalk 5/6; Draw 23/10; Bray 16/5.
Extratime prediction: A 1-1 draw.
