Bray Wanderers v Dundalk, 7.45pm
BRAY WANDERERS AND Dundalk will both be looking to earn much-needed points in a bottom of the table battle at the Carlisle Grounds. Only UCD are below these two and neither have recorded a win in their last six Premier Division matches.
“We need to register a home win but it won’t be easy, Dundalk have improved,” said Bray director of football Pat Devlin. “It’s a big game for us.”
Dundalk caretaker Darius Kearns told their official website: “Bray will be a difficult test. They have had some good results over the last month, drawing away to Sligo Rovers and Shamrock Rovers.
The Carlisle Grounds is always a hard place to go and pick up three points, and in Jason Byrne they have someone who can change a game and create something out of nothing.
“It’s a match that offers us a chance to go level with Bray and we’ll be going there to win the game, but we know the task facing us.”
Team news
Bray welcome back John Mulroy and Kieran Marty Waters from suspension and have no selection worries.
Drogheda United v Bohemians, 7.45pm
DROGHEDA bounced back from their first league loss in eight in going down 4-1 in Sligo by beating the same opponents in the EA Sports Cup semi-final on Monday but they will face a tough test against Bohemians.
Bohs have put together a five-game unbeaten run and trail fourth placed St Patrick’s Athletic by just three points so a win in this game could put them right in contention for a European spot.
Drogheda United manager Mick Cooke: “I was delighted with how the lads bounced back from Saturday night and now we will have to re-focus on another big game. Drogheda haven’t beaten Bohs in the league in quite some time, but records are there to be broken and I hope we can set that right.”
Bohemians boss Aaron Callaghan: “Drogheda seem to have a bit of momentum. They had a heavy defeat in their last league game but that was probably a one-off. You have to do your work on the opposition and where there are particular dangers.
“We’ll go up looking to win but we have to be mindful of the fact that they are where they are because of their performances.”
Team news
Drogheda have no injury worries or suspensions ahead of the game. Bohemians are without Dave Scully (suspended) and John O’Connor. Dave Mulcahy is also suspended, while Luke Byrne (illness) may not yet be fit to return.
Shelbourne v UCD, 8pm
UCD will travel to Tolka Park looking to end a seven game winless streak when they take on a Shelbourne side that had no fixture last week.
Shelbourne’s last fixture was a scoreless draw with Cork City on July 27 and they need the three points to maintain their European aspirations.
Shelbourne boss Alan Mathews: “We know we will have to produce a really top class performance to achieve the three points on offer, but I firmly believe that we have the players to take on any side this season, and go into this game full of confidence.
“UCD are one of the best footballing sides in the county and we are going to have to work really hard to get a result on the night.”
UCD manager Martin Russell: “Shels, as I knew they would, have proved they are a worthy Premier Division team and we know like all the games that will are going to have to bring our best to get something from the game.”
Team news
Shelbourne have a full-strength squad to choose from. UCD are without injured goalkeeper John Kelly, Graham Rusk, Chris Mulhall, Tom O’Halloran and Cillian Morrison but David O’Connor and Samir Belhout both return from suspension.
