League Preview: St Patrick's Athletic -v- Bray Wanderers

ST PATRICKS ATHLETIC

St Patrick's Athletic host Bray Wanderers at Richmond Park with both sides looking to bounce back after defeats to Derry City and Cork City respectively (kick-off 7.45pm).

Pats are really struggling for form in the recent weeks with just two wins in their last ten games and will have been very frustrated with how the match finished against Derry City last Friday night.

A mid table finish is most likely for the Saints as they currently sit in sixth place and more importantly have nine points to spare over Limerick in the relegation play off place.

Captain Ian Bermingham and striker Thomas Byrne are suspended with both players picking up red cards against Derry City last Friday.

Long-term absentee Christy Fagan is the only other player to remain side lined, Liam giving Buckley a relatively full squad to pick from.

Tonight’s game will be the last league game for both teams before their FAI Cup journey gets underway next weekend.

BRAY WANDERERS

Bray Wanderers have just ten league games left to make up a deficit of nine points to Limerick and avoid automatic relegation and a drop to the First Division next season.

The supporters will be hoping that the optimism that new owner Niall O’Driscoll has created in the last week will replicate itself with the players on the pitch as they need points on the board as quickly as possible.

Hugh Douglas, John Sullivan, Mark O’Connor, Darragh Noone and Calvin Rodgers remain sidelined with Paul O’Conor facing a late fitness test.

A number of the St Joseph Boys' youngsters have been drafted into the panel for tonight’s game and caretaker manager Graham Kelly is delighted to be able to give them the experience.

He said: “It’s great experience for the young players from the academy to be training and involved with the first team on such a regular basis now.

“These kids are 16 and 17 years of age so to be included in the matchday panel is an experience that will help them as they continue to progress to becoming first team players.

Referee: Ray Matthews

MATCH FACTS

The Seagulls won the last fixture between these sides on a 3-1 score line at the Carlisle Grounds back in June.

St Patrick's Athletic came out on top in the other two fixtures so far this season winning 5-0 at home and a narrow 2-1 victory in the early stages of the season

BETTING

St Patrick's Athletic 1/8; Draw7/1; Bray Wanderers 16/1

PREDICTION

St Patrick's Athletic 3 – 0 Bray Wanderers

St Patrick's Athletic

Injured: None

Doubtful: None

Suspended: Ian Bermingham, Thomas Byrne

Bray Wanderers

Injured: Hugh Douglas, John Sullivan, Mark O’Connor, Darragh Noone, Calvin Rodgers

Doubtful: Paul O’Conor

Suspended: None