Sligo Rovers -v- Bray Wanderers

SLIGO ROVERS

Sligo Rovers entertain Bray Wanderers at The Showgrounds on Saturday evening in their first home game of the season.

The Bit O’Red began the defence of their title with a victory away to Derry City last Friday as Anthony Elding’s 31st minute goal proved decisive.

The champions will be without long term absentees Danny North and Danny Ventre while Iarfhliath Davoren is a doubt. Ventre is also serving a suspension for this game which was picked up last season. Meanwhile, Aaron Greene and Lee Lynch return after missing the trip to the Brandywell.

Ian Baraclough told sligorovers.com he is happy with his sides early results and hopes they can continue their good start tomorrow evening.

“Everybody likes to start on a positive note. We’ve done that with three wins, scoring goals and not conceding as well which is a bonus. But we’re still on a learning curve. There are plenty of areas we can improve.

“Bray were struggling last season, it might not be the case this season. They will hope to get into mid-table and perhaps a run in a cup competition.

“They will come here and try to stifle us and cause us problems. It is our first home match in the league, one that should entice a crowd, and we hope to continue our good start.”

BRAY WANDERERS

Bray Wanderers will be aiming to build on a positive start to their campaign following their opening night victory over Shelbourne.

Pat Devlin will be without the injured Shane O’Connor but otherwise has a fully fit squad to choose from.

Speaking to braywanderers.ie Devlin expects a difficult game in The Showgrounds, but believes last season’s form against the champions can spur his side on.

"It will be a difficult ask for us, but we have a good recent record against Sligo drawing twice with them last season. We are all looking forward to the challenge".

Referee: Derek Tomney.

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MATCH STATS

Sligo Rovers have rarely dropped points at The Showgrounds against Bray Wanderers. The last time the visitors left Sligo with a victory was in 1997.

The last time Bray picked up three points against The Bit O’Red was in July 2009 when they won 3-1 at the Carlisle Grounds.

Rafael Cretaro has scored eight goals in his last ten starts against The Seagulls.

BETTING

Sligo Rovers 2/7;  Draw 15/4; Bray Wanderers10/1.

PREDICTION

2-1. I expect a tight game, but the home side should do enough to get the three points.

Sligo Rovers

Injured: Danny North, Joseph Ndo, Iarfhlaith Davoren.
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: Danny Ventre.

Bray Wanderers

Injured: Shane O’Connor.
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: None.