League Preview: Bray Wanderers -v- Derry City

• Josh Dolan
• Tue, Sep 30 2014




The Seagulls will be looking to pull away from The Airtricity League Premier Division drop zone as they host FAI Cup semi-finalists Derry City at The Carlisle Grounds on Tuesday night.

 

BRAY WANDERERS

The Seagulls will be looking to pull away from The Airtricity League Premier Division drop zone as they host FAI Cup semi-finalists Derry City at The Carlisle Grounds, on Tuesday night.

 

The Seasiders lie in 10th place, four points behind Aaron Callaghan's UCD who currently occupy the relegation/promotion play-off spot.

 

Alan Matthews' side come into the game on the back of a credible 1-1 draw away at Louth side Drogheda where red cards for Shane O'Connor and Ismahil Akinade.meant The Seagulls finished the game with just nine men.

 

Bray Boss, Matthews was delighted with his side's performance in United Park and the 49 year old is hopeful that his charges can carry Friday night's momentum into Tuesday night's fixture with The Candy stripes.

 

"We will take great confidence from Friday's game in Drogheda and we will look to take that into Tuesday's game,"

 

Matthews has no injury worries ahead of Tuesday night's fixture, however Shane O'Connor and Ismahil Akinade will miss the game through suspension.

 

DERRY CITY

The Candystripes will be looking to build momentum ahead of their FAI Cup semi-final meeting with Shamrock Rovers as they travel south to face Bray on Friday night.

 

Although Peter Hutton's side will have their focus firmly set on success in the FAI Cup they will be looking to improve their poor league form on Tuesday night. City have won just one of their last five Airtricity League Premier Division games.

 

Speaking ahead of the game Peter Hutton is expecting a tough encounter at the seaside.

 

"We will travel to Bray on Tuesday knowing that it will be another tough game, a bit like last Friday night, Bray are fighting for points to stay in the league. We need to have the right mentality going into the game as this starts off a big week for the club, with the cup semi-final on Sunday it's important we get some momentum heading into it.

 

“As far as resting players is concerned, we have a couple of players back from suspension for this game so that will freshen things up. There's no doubt that we will have one eye on Sunday's game but Tuesday to Sunday should give players enough time to recover."

 

Derry have doubts over both Stephen Dooley and Barry Molloy who have slight niggles.  

 

Referee: Robert Rodgers.

 

MATCH STATS

Bray have failed to beat Derry City in their last 16 attempts.

 

The Seagulls have conceded 27 goals at home this season, more than any other Premier Division outfit.

 

The Candystrypes have lost every league game previous to an FAI Cup fixture this season.

 

BETTING

Bray Wanderers 12/5; Draw 9/4; Derry City 11/10

 

PREDICTION

Bray 1-1 Derry

 

BRAY WANDERERS

Injured: None

Doubtful: None

Suspended: Ismahil Akinade, Shane O'Connor.

 

DERRY CITY

Injured: None

Doubtful: Stephen Dooley, Barry Molloy

Suspended: None