League Preview: UCD -v- Bray Wanderers
UCD players celebrate a goal while Bray players would have to wait until the second half to really get into the game. Credit: Timmy Keane (ETPhotos)
UCD
Free-scoring UCD welcome local rivals Bray Wanderers to the UCD Bowl on Friday evening (kick-off is at 7.45pm).
The Students come into the game following a convincing 4-0 win away to Cobh Ramblers last time out.
Liam Kerrigan, Colm Whelan and Jack Keaney all got on the scoresheet for Andy Myler’s side.
And Myler is hoping that his side can bring their form into their home game against Bray – with Cabinteely lurking in the background a week later.
“They are two big home games for us,” Myler told extratime.com following Saturday’s win away to Cobh.
“We have to get better with our home form. I’m looking forward to both those games, but they will be tough.
“I went to Bray’s game against Shelbourne, and they are a really good side. Cabinteely started off the season well and they are flying.
“They will take a bit of stopping. The next two games are as local as a derby as we get our around our place!”
In terms of team news for UCD, Michael Gallagher and Harry McEvoy are expected to remain out with injuries.
BRAY WANDERERS
After a slow start to the season points return wise, Bray Wanderers make the short trip up the N11 to take on UCD.
The Seagulls can count themselves a tad unlucky not to have won last week away to Shelbourne at Tolka Park.
But they will take positives from their performance at Tolka Park – with on-loan Shamrock Rovers midfielder Brandon Kavanagh earning himself plenty of praise.
But Bray boss Gary Cronin and his side must now eye their first three points of the season on Friday evening as they get set to take on UCD.
“Obviously, Andy has a very good side UCD side who finished one place behind us last year,” Cronin told extratime.com.
“But the two times we played them were really tough games. We did win them but we’re expecting the same. It could go either way.”
Gary Shaw is expected to miss out with injury, while Darragh Lynch is also expected to remain out. Joe Doyle returned to the squad last week – albeit on the bench – so he is expected to be fully fit this week.
Referee: Kevin O’Sullivan.
MATCH STATS
Bray Wanderers won both games between the sides last season as they finished a place ahead of the Students in the league table.
Andy Myler’s side are already the highest scorers in the First Division – having scored 6 goals in their opening two league games.
UCD have not defeated Bray Wanderers at home in their previous five attempts competitively, with their most recent win over the Seagulls at the Bowl coming in 2012.
BETTING
UCD 15/8; Draw 11/4; Bray Wanderers EVENS.
PREDICTION
UCD 2 - 2 Bray Wanderers
UCD
Injured: None.
Doubtful: Harry McEvoy, Michael Gallagher.
Suspended: None.
Bray Wanderers
Injured: Gary Shaw, Darragh Lynch.
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: None.
