League Preview: Galway United -v- Bray Wanderers

GALWAY UNITED

Galway United will be looking to rebound following a disappointing loss to St Patrick's Athletic last Friday when they welcome Bray Wanderers to Eamonn Deacy Park (kick-off 7.45pm).

United went into the game with confidence having defeated Dundalk at Deacy Park the previous week, but fell behind to an early Christy Fagan goal from which they never recovered.

The two sides were scheduled to play on Monday evening, but agreed to move the meeting back as neither is featuring in FAI Cup action this weekend.

“You've got Bray Wanderers coming to town on Friday and they're not giving up many chances of late,” manager Tommy Dunne told the club's website.

“They've improved in personnel. They've improved quite a bit from different angles. They are one of the form teams in the country.

“We have to give everything we have and go from there. I don't have an issue playing anybody in Galway [but] we have to turn up and perform.

“The players are enjoying the challenge of playing in Galway now. Last year I don't think they were as comfortable.

“The expectancy to do well at home is helping them more than being a hindrance this year."

Padraic Cunningham and Jesse Devers are long-term injury absentees, but Dunne has an otherwise full squad to choose from.

BRAY WANDERERS

Bray are one of the league's form sides at the moment after last Wednesday's win over league leaders Dundalk extended their unbeaten run to seven games, including four victories.

The Seagulls fell behind to an early Daryl Horgan goal at the Carlisle Grounds, but goals in either half from Mark Salmon and Karl Moore made it three wins in their last four home games.

Harry Kenny's side have opened up a 10-point game between themselves and bottom-placed Longford Town and are two points ahead of 11th-placed Wexford Youths, with three games in hand on each.

Referee: Jim McKell.

MATCH STATS

The sides have met twice already this season with the Tribesmen winning on both occasions.

Galway scored four second-half goals to see off nine-man Bray at Deacy Park in March, while Tommy Dunne's side were 2-1 winners at the Carlisle Grounds in May.

BETTING

Galway United 5/4; Draw 23/10; Bray Wanderers 21/10.

PREDICTION

Galway United 2 - 2 Bray Wanderers

Galway United

Injured: Padraic Cunningham (going), Jesse Devers (hand).

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

Bray Wanderers

Injured: Unknown.

Doubtful: Unknown.

Suspended: None.