Saint Patricks Athletic
Fourth placed Saint Patricks Athletic will take on relegation
threatened Bray Wanderers at Inchicore in the Airtricity League Premier
Division on Friday night (kick off 7.45.p.m).
After being eliminated from the Europa League by Hannover 96
on the 9th of August, the Saints returned to winning ways in the
league with a crucial 1-0 win away to Cork City on Monday night. Liam Buckley’s
team do have games in hand over the teams above them in the table, therefore
they cannot be ruled out of the title race just yet.
Mark Rossiter, who picked up a knee injury against Derry
City, will again miss out for Pats. Dean Kelly will also miss out with a groin
injury as will Stephen O’Flynn with a rib injury. John Russell will face a
fitness test before kick-off and Jake Carroll will return to the squad after
serving a one match ban.
Bray Wanderers
Bray Wanderers have
won just once in their last eight league games, although four of those eight
games did end in draws, including a 0-0 draw away to champions Shamrock Rovers.
Last Friday night they drew 1-1 with Dundalk at the Carlisle Grounds. The
Wicklow club drew 3-3 with Liam Buckley’s side in the league in May at the Carlisle
Grounds.
Bray, who are
currently third from bottom in the table, will be boosted by the news that they
have a full squad to choose from for the trip to Inchicore.
Bray Director of
Football Pat Devlin is hoping that his side can improve their finishing against
Saint Pats. “We need to improve our finishing. I’m hoping we can improve that
aspect of our game against Saint Patricks Athletic, who have had a great season
so far. The games between us have always been entertaining and we are looking
forward to it.”
Referee: Padraigh
Sutton.
MATCH STATS
Saint Patricks
Athletic goalkeeper Brendan Clarke, who won an FAI Cup winners medal with Sligo
Rovers last season, is a lifelong Saint Pats fan.
One of Bray’s most
recent signings Brendan King, was a member of the United States squad at the
2007 under 17 World Cup.
Donegal born Sean
Houston scored a hat-trick for Bray Wanderers against UCD in September of 2011.
BETTING
Saint Patricks Atletic 2/5, Draw 10/3, Bray Wanderers 13/2.
PREDICITION: Saint
Patricks Athletic 2-1 Bray Wanderers.
© Seamus Egan 2012.
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