League Preview: Bray Wanderers -v- Galway United

BRAY WANDERERS

Bray Wanderers will be looking to claim their first points of the First Division season when they host Galway United at the Carlisle Grounds on Friday night (kick-off 7.45pm).

Pat Devlin’s men have lost their first two games of the season – they had a disastrous opening night with a 6-0 loss at home to Cork City.

They were idle last week and two weeks ago they travelled to the RSC to face Waterford where a Louis Britton goal meant that Bray now sit bottom of the First Division table on goal difference.

The Seagulls will have a full squad to choose from on Friday night which will be a boost for the visit of Galway.

“The staff and players have been absolutely brilliant. We can’t ask for any more of them. We’ve been unlucky with injuries,” Devlin said, speaking to the club’s media team.

“But they are improving, and we are getting there. Our performance against Waterford was quite reasonable. But we all know we can do better.

“It is a new beginning for everybody. We’re not making excuses – there’s a lot of work going on. And it’s a work in progress.

“It’s still very exciting. Hopefully, we can turn the corner against Galway. But it will be difficult as they are a very good side.”

GALWAY UNITED

The Tribesmen come into Friday night still unbeaten in the First Division after playing two games.

They opened their campaign with a 1-0 win over Cork City away from home and it looked like they were going to suffer a loss to Waterford last week when they were two goals down at half time.

United came out for that second half, having conceded goals from Junior Quitirna and Eddie Nolan, and played out of their skins with Galway’s Jordan Adeyemo and Stephen Walsh equalising and giving the side a valuable point.

“We know how tough going to Bray is,” Caulfield told the club’s media team.

“They played very well in Waterford so we know what to expect – We are prepared for a very tough game.

“From our own point of view, we have started the season reasonably well and we will have to be at our best again to get the points this week. It is still very early days in the season but hopefully the team spirit and character will continue throughout the season.”

In team news, Wilson Waweru returns to the squad after sitting out last week’s game in Galway due to suspension.

Referee: Mark Moynihan

MATCH STATS

Galway United haven’t beaten Bray Wanderers at the Carlisle Grounds since October 2020 when the Tribesmen beat the Seagulls in the playoffs.

Bray haven’t managed a victory against Galway at home in four attempts – you have to go all the way back to May 2019 for the last time the Tribesmen lost in the Carlisle Grounds with Wanderers winning 2-1.

The Seagulls ended Galway United’s 2021 season, a Brandon Kavanagh goal at Eamonn Deacy Park last November meant Bray Wanderers progressed in last year’s playoffs ahead of the Tribesmen.

BETTING

Bray Wanderers 7/4; Draw 21/10; Galway United 11/8.

PREDICTION

Bray Wanderers 0–1 Galway United

Bray Wanderers

Injured: None.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

Galway United

Injured: None.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.