St. Patrick's Athletic -v- Bray Wanderers

ST PATRICK’S ATHLETIC

The Saints will be without new signings Greg Bolger and Christy Fagan, who are suspended from last season.  Also other new signing Aidan Price is definitely out, whilst Chris Forrester is a slight doubt. After injuries, Saints have a possible ten players who could make their league debuts for the Richmond Park outfit.  New manager Liam Buckley has returned for his second spell as manager of the Inchicore side, and the 51 year old won the league with St Pats back in the 1998-99 season.

The former Sporting Fingal boss has big hopes for the new season. “New seasons always bring fresh hope and we’re hoping that it will turn out to be a campaign highlighted by big crowds here in Inchicore.”

BRAY WANDERERS

Bray boss Pat Devlin will be without three first team players for the opening day trip to the capital. Stephen Brennan (hamstring) is denied a return to his former club, whilst Kevin Knight is on duty with the Republic of Ireland U-19’s in Turkey. Daire Doyle (ruptured tendon) and Shane O’Connor (groin) are also out.

Devlin is delighted that the league campaign is now so close, “It has been a complete new experience for me since last November; it is great credit to everybody in the club that we are now ready for the kick-off. We have struggled to get where we are but we will get stronger from now on, we are just delighted to have arrived at this stage".

Devlin also believes the Saints will be tough opponents this Friday, “We have done our homework on St. Pats. They have signed very well and we know it will be tough, but no tougher than it always is against St. Pats.”

Referee:  Alan Kelly.

MATCH STATS

Jake Kelly will make his debut for St Patrick’s Athletic against his former club if he plays.

Bray Wanderers defeated St Pat’s 3-2 in the first game between the two sides last season.

BETTING

St Patricks Athletic 2/5; Draw 3/1; Bray Wanderers 15/2.

PREDICTION

Home win, 2-0.

Live Updates Link: http://extratime.ie/fixtures/detail/17848/1/