League Preview: Galway United -v- Bray Wanderers

GALWAY UNITED

Galway United will look to end a nine-game winless streak when they host Bray Wanderers at Eamonn Deacy Park on Friday night (kick-off 7.45pm).

The Tribesmen have picked up just three points in those nine games, dating back to the defeat in the corresponding fixture in Bray in May.

Alan Murphy’s side were disappointed to be held to a scoreless draw away to bottom-placed Wexford last Friday and will hope to rectify it at home.

That will be easier said than done as they face a resurgent Bray Wanderers side who remain in contention for a spot in the play-offs.

“We acquitted ourselves well against Bray in both of our previous meetings against them this season," Murphy told the club’s website.

"At the Carlisle Grounds, we should've beaten them, but a poor 10 minutes spell towards the end of the game cost us.

"We'll be confident heading into the game. We know that if we can perform on the night, we'll do well.

"We have a lot of players back now and there will be a lot of competition for places in the squad. It's very much about how we perform on the night and being right ourselves.”

Conor Barry and Jack Lynch are the only absentees for the Tribesmen.

BRAY WANDERERS

Bray Wanderers got their faltering play-off hopes back on track last week with a resilient 1-0 win over Limerick at the Carlisle Grounds.

Paul Keegan’s penalty in first-half injury time proved the matchwinner for Bray, who had to dig in after Kilian Cantwell was sent off early in the second half.

It perhaps could have been more comfortable for Gary Cronin’s side but Sean Heaney’s header just afterwards was contentiously ruled out for a foul.

Both Cantwell and Keegan are suspended, the latter due to five accumulated yellow cards, but new signing John Martin is available for selection.

Referee: Michael Connolly.

MATCH STATS

The sides have met twice so far this season with the Seagulls coming out narrow winners on both occasions.

Dean O’Halloran scored the only goal as Bray won at Deacy Park in March while a Hugh Douglas brace saw the Seagulls come from behind to win at the Carlisle Grounds.

BETTING

Galway United 10/3; Draw 13/5; Bray Wanderers 4/6.

PREDICTION

Galway United 0 – 1 Bray Wanderers

Galway United

Injured: Conor Barry (hamstring), Jack Lynch (quad).

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

Bray Wanderers

Injured: None.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.