League Preview: Bray Wanderers -v- Dundalk

BRAY WANDERERS

Bray Wanderers begin the second round of league games with the daunting task of league leaders Dundalk at the Carlisle Grounds (kick-off 7.45pm).

One possible reason for optimism is the result on the opening day, when Bray held Dundalk at Oriel Park – but they've lost each of their eight games since.

Last Friday night's 5-0 defeat to St Patrick's Athletic in Inchicore was Dave Mackey's last as manager – the Dubliner resigned having failed to win a single game in his four-month tenure.

He's been replaced in the dugout by Graham Kelly, who has been an assistant coach under Mackey and his predecessor Harry Kenny.

"We are under no illusion about the job in hand,” Kelly said in his program notes before the game.

“We as a squad together would like to thank the supporters for their continued support and I would like to call on them to continue to get behind the team"

Bray have not provided any team news, but left-back Kevin Lynch is a doubt after missing the past number of weeks with a foot injury.

DUNDALK

Dundalk moved back to the top of the Premier Division for the first time since 2016 with a 2-1 win over Shamrock Rovers at Oriel Park on Friday night.

Robbie Benson and Chris Shields got the goals for the Lilywhites, but a goal from Rovers' Dan Carr saw their clean sheet record ended after eight games.

Monday night saw Stephen Kenny ring the changes as nine new players came in for the EA Sports Cup tie with St Patrick's Athletic, which they won 8-7 on penalties after it finished 4-4 after 120 minutes.

“Bray have taken points off us in the previous few years, even on the opening day of this season so we know how difficult it could be down there,” captain Stephen O'Donnell told the club's website.

“We are focused on making sure things don’t repeat themselves.We are top of the league on goal difference. It’s not something we want to relinquish. We want to drive on and go clear.

“Hopefully we can do that now starting on Friday night ahead of what will be a hectic schedule.”

Karolis Chvedukas is out with an ankle problem, while there are doubts over Dean Jarvis, Gary Rogers and Sean Hoare.

Brian Gartland is fit again, however, having lasted 120 minutes and scored his penalty at Richmond Park on Monday.

Referee: Sean Grant.

MATCH STATS

Bray's one and only point this season came at Oriel Park as they held the Lilywhites to a scoreless draw in Dave Mackey's first game in charge.

Their three meetings in the league last season saw both sides win away from home, while Dundalk won the third game 1-0 at Oriel Park.

BETTING

Bray Wanderers 14/1; Draw 6/1; Dundalk 1/7.

PREDICTION

Bray Wanderers 0 – 6 Dundalk

Bray Wanderers

Injured: None.

Doubtful: Kevin Lynch (foot).

Suspended: None.

Dundalk

Injured: Karolis Chvedukas (ankle).

Doubtful: Dean Jarvis (calf), Sean Hoare (groin), Gary Rogers (calf).

Suspended: None.