Derry City -v- Bray Wanderers
DERRY CITY
Derry City will be looking to capitalise on their recent good away form this Monday night as they take on Bray Wanderers at the Brandywell.
Having taken six points from six on the road this week Declan Devine's men need to start showing this type of form at home. So far this season the Candystripes have only won two of their five home matches, just as many as they have lost. The Foylesiders will go into this game with a lot of confidence haven scored six goals in two games and with the injury list starting to become more manageable, Devine will be looking for a much better return in the second round of matches.
Devine commented, "We knew coming into this period it would be very difficult. The league this year has been just insane. We're trying to cram in as many games as we possibly can because clubs are only paying players for 40 weeks. We've played 22 games in 13 weeks and we're frustrated with the amount of injuries and knocks we've picked up. We are looking forward to the break but it has been an intense period of time over the first 12 weeks of the season. In my opinion it's ludicrous".
Derry will be hopeful that Patrick McEleney will continue his good form filling in for Barry Molloy in the centre of midfield and also that talisman striker Rory Patterson can shake off a long troublesome ankle condition as they seek to get back to winning ways at home.
Derry Will be without Stewart Greacen (knee) Barry Molloy (Hamstring) Mark Farren (Hamstring) and Kevin Deery (knee) while Rory Patterson is a doubt with an ankle injury.
BRAY WANDERERS
Bray Wanderers have added Shane O'Connor, Sean Hurley and Conor Earley to the panel for the trip to Foyleside on Monday evening. Commenting after the draw with St Patrick's Athletic on Friday night, Bray's Director of Football Pat Devlin said he was very pleased with his side's performance.
He said, "We played well, and we deserved to get the draw, I am happy with the reaction I am getting from the squad, especially Jason Byrne and Marty Waters up front".
Looking ahead to Monday nights fixture, Devlin said "Derry are one of the best teams in the League and it's a tough ask to go there on a Monday night. We are having difficulty getting people off work and we have players doing exams this time of the year and it's not easy. However it's not our decision and we have to get on with it. It's a challenge we are looking forward to."
Devlin will be looking to the in-form and experienced Jason Byrne to lead the line and will be hopeful of continuing where they left off against St Pats by gaining at least a point.
MATCH STATS
It's been 10 years since Bray last won at the Brandywell, ironically Jason Byrne scored in that game.
If selected, Dave Webster will make his 100th appearance for Bray.
Derry have scored in their last 13 games against the Seagulls.
BETTING
Derry City 4/7; Draw 13/5; Bray Wanderers 5/1
PREDICTION
Derry City 2-1 Bray Wanderers
Derry City Injury News: Barry Molloy(hamstring), Mark Farren(hamstring), Stewart Greacen(knee).
Derry City Injury Doubts: Rory Patterson(ankle)
Bray Wanderers Injury News: None
Bray Wanderers Injury Doubts: None