League Preview: Bray Wanderers -v- Galway United

BRAY WANDERERS

Gary Cronin’s Bray Wanderers will be hoping to continue their playoff charge as they get set to host Galway United at the Carlisle Grounds on Friday evening (kick-off is at 7.30pm).

The Seagulls earned a late draw last time out against Cork City despite struggling for vast swathes of the game at Turner’s Cross.

Having gone two goals behind, Cronin’s charges fought back and scored twice late on to seal a big point.

Ireland under-19 international Andrew Quinn netted for Bray late on as they extended their lead ahead of Cabinteely in the playoff positions.

Bray won the last game between themselves and the Tribesmen, with Gary Shaw’s late winner proving to be the difference between the teams.

Shaw has, however, struggled for fitness this season, with Joe Doyle filling his void and scoring 6 goals in the process.

In terms of team news for Bray, Darragh Lynch remains a long-term absentee, while Ryan Graydon misses out with suspension.

GALWAY UNITED

Galway United will be looking to close the gap on league leaders Shelbourne on Friday evening as they take on Bray Wanderers at the Carlisle Grounds.

The Tribesmen are in a rich vein of form, and have won every league game since the mid-season break.

But that, however, matters little, as Galway boss John Caulfield expects a difficult clash at the Carlisle Grounds.

“Bray have been challenging over the last two seasons so we will have to be on our game,” Caulfield told the club's media team.

“If you don't start the game well it is very difficult to get a result in this league. Bray have turned a corner, a bit like ourselves; they also have established players.

“We have a bit of confidence at the moment, but the most important thing is to take it one game at a time.

“There are new challenges each week, so we have to keep to that level all of the time.”

Francely Lomboto and Ronan Manning remain out with long-term injuries. Meanwhile, Stephen Christopher and Michael Garrihy have departed the Tribesmen.

Referee: Oliver Moran.

MATCH STATS

Galway United have only conceded one goal since their heavy 4-0 defeat away to Shelbourne in May. That breach of their defence came in their 2-1 win over Athlone Town.

Bray Wanderers have won two of their last five games, and are unbeaten in their last four. Like Galway, their last defeat came against Shelbourne.

Galway have won on their last two visits to the Carlisle Grounds, but they have not three times in a row at the Carlisle Grounds ever before.

BETTING

Bray Wanderers 6/5; Draw 23/10; Galway United 9/5.

PREDICTION

Bray Wanderers 2 - 1 Galway United

Bray Wanderers

Injured: Darragh Lynch.

Doubtful: N/A.

Suspended: Ryan Graydon.

Galway United

Injured: Francely Lomboto, Ronan Manning.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.