Bray Wanderers -v- Shamrock Rovers

BRAY WANDERERS
John Mulroy and Shane O’Connor miss out for Bray Wanderers as they host Shamrock Rovers at the Carlisle Grounds this Friday (kick-off 7.45pm). Both are out with groin injuries, joining Kevin Knight on the sidelines as he recovers from a jaw injury.

Dave Webster will play on the right side of the defence with O’Connor out, while Adam Hanlon is the most likely replacement for Mulroy, though Daire Doyle is also in contention. Both appeared as substitutes in the 0-0 draw with Shelbourne at Tolka Park last week.

Bray Director of Football Pat Devlin commented: “It was a good performance and we probably shaded it on chances, but just couldn't find the net. It was another clean sheet which is positive."

They played well to hold league leaders Sligo Rovers scoreless the week before but will be worried by a lack of goals despite the presence of threats in the form of veteran striker Jason Byrne and lively young star Kieran Marty Waters.

The Seagulls have already managed draws home and away to the Hoops in the league this season and Devlin is looking forward to the tie with the reigning champions.

Devlin said: "Games between Bray and Rovers are always good games, and at this stage of the season there is still a lot at stake. I am looking forward to welcoming Shamrock Rovers to the Carlisle Grounds, and we will give it a good go."

SHAMROCK ROVERS
Brian Laws’ Shamrock Rovers scored seven times without reply against Dundalk last week and have the buzz of new leadership as a spur at the moment. A Gary Twigg treble in the last 20 minutes finished off the Lilywhites after goals from Ronan Finn, Ken Oman, Ciaran Kilduff and a brace of penalties from Gary McCabe.

With the league title long gone from their grasp this season, the Hoops have a few games left in the campaign to ensure European football for next season. The players are also playing to impress the new management or, alternatively, put themselves in the shop window for other clubs at home and across the water.

Conor Winn and Graham Gartland are both still out with long-term back injuries.Colin Hawkins and Shane O'Connor are also missing for this game through injury.

Shamrock Rovers Director of Football Brian Laws said: "I am expecting the players to be buoyed by the result against Dundalk last weekend and go into the game against Bray feeling positive.

"I am also expecting the same level of performance that we got from them in that game. We were excellent and set the bar for the rest of the season. I won't accept anybody falling under that level for the rest of the season. We need to go out there and get another win on Friday night."
 

Referee: Padraigh Sutton.

MATCH STATS
The sides have met twice already in the league this season and both games ended in draws – 2-2 at the Carlisle Grounds and 0-0 at Tallaght Stadium.

Bray Wanderers and Shamrock Rovers have met 36 times in competition at the Carlisle Grounds. Bray have won 10, there have been 10 draws and the Hoops have won 16.

In 36 competitive meetings between the Seagulls and Shamrock Rovers in Bray, the home team have scored 41 goals while the visitors have netted 58 times.

 

BETTING
Bray Wanderers 11/2; Draw 3/1; Shamrock Rovers 8/13

 

PREDICTION
Bray Wanderers 2-2 Shamrock Rovers

Bray Injury News: Stephen Brennan, John Mulroy, Shane O’Connor.
Bray Injury Doubts: Kevin Knight.
Bray Suspension News: None
 

Shamrock Rovers Injury News: Graham Gartland, Conor Winn, Colin Hawkins, Shane O'Connor
Shamrock Rovers Suspension News: None.