Shamrock Rovers -v- Bray Wanderers
Credit:
SHAMROCK ROVERS
Shamrock Rovers will hope to return to winning ways in the Airtricity League when they take on Bray Wanderers at Tallaght Stadium on Friday night.
David Elebert and Jason McGuinness, who have both have both resumed training after injury, will continue to remain out for Rovers. Sean O’Connor is also doubtful after he had to leave the pitch early with an ankle injury during last Friday night’s game against Drogheda United. Goalkeeper Barry Murphy and striker Thomas Stewart are also doubts.
Shamrock Rovers manager Trevor Croly told www.shamrockrovers.ie that Friday's encounter could be a difficult tie “It could be a tricky game for us. Bray have a very good record against Rovers in recent years. But we need to make sure that doesn’t count for much come match night. It will be important for us to start the game well and with a high
tempo.”
BRAY WANDERERS
Bray Wanderers travel to Tallaght without a league win the opening night of the season when they overcame Shelbourne at the Carlisle Grounds. Since that night four defeats and one draw have followed and the Seagulls have slipped towards the lower regions of the Premier Division table.
Both captain Danny O'Connor (achilles) and Kevin O'Connor (knee) will miss the game against the Hoops. There are also doubts about defender Shane O'Connor who has an ankle problem while Owen Hyland may also miss out with a groin injury.
Director of Football Pat Devlin told the Bray Wanderers website that he is expecting a tough challenge against Shamrock Rovers "With the players we have missing it's going to be tough. You never know what to expect from games between Bray and Rovers but we are looking forward to it.”
Referee: Paul McLaughlin,
MATCH STATS
For the first time since 2005 Shamrock Rovers have won only once in their opening seven league games.
Under Trevor Croly Shamrock Rovers have equaled a 64 year old club record by drawing five successive league game.
Bray Wanderers midfielder Gary Dempsey is a former Irish youth international.
BETTING
Shamrock Rovers 4/11; Draw 10/3; Bray Wanderers 15/2.
PREDICTION
Shamrock Rovers 2-1 UCD.
Shamrock Rovers
Injured: David Elebert and Jason McGuinness
Doubtful: Sean O'Connor, Barry Murphy, Thomas Stewart.
Suspended: None.
Bray Wanderers
Injured: Danny O'Connor (Achilles), Kevin O'Connor (knee)
Doubtful: Shane O'Connor, Owen Hyland.
Suspended: None.
