Bray Wanderers vs Dundalk
Football : Republic Ireland : Artricty League
Friday, 5th March 2010 – Kick off 7.45 PM

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The newly named Airtricity League kicks off on Friday night as Bray Wanders take on Dundalk at the Carlise Grounds with both sides looking to get their campaigns off to a good start.

Bray Wanderers

After Cork City were denied a Premier Division licence, Bray Wanderers were once again welcomed back into the top flight and they should endure another difficult season. The Seagulls only discovered they would be competing in the Premier Division just days before the transfer window closed.

Having prepared in pre-season to be playing in the First Division this season it certainly leaves Eddie Gormley’s men at a disadvantage going into their opening game of the season against Dundalk.

Bray were denied an extension to the transfer deadline and consequently can only sign free agents to bolster their squad before the season kicks off.

Bray have a young side lacking in experience and should find a rude awakening to the Premier Divison when they take on Dundalk on Friday night.

Bray finished bottom of the table with 28 points last season, a total which would normally have seem them automatically relegated to the First Divison but due to Derry City’s problems Bray landed in a play-off with Sporting Fingal which they lost 4-2 on aggregate.

Dundalk

Dundalk have come through pre season unbeaten under new manager Ian Foster. The squad have also been boosted with the potential of European football this season thanks to the demise of Cork City, however this still remains unclear.

Dundalk have brought several new players into the club including stiker Ross Gaynor from Drogheda united. Dundalk look to have experience and bags of ability in their squad.

The Lillywhites picked up a European record last season for accumulating a total of 20 red cards. New boss Ian Foster has made it clear that ill discipline this season will not be a problem.

Dundalk finished in 4th place last season and probably could have nabbed a European spot if it hadn’t been for their lack of discipline and cutting edge up front.

This shouldn’t be a problem this season having brought in strikers Faz Kudozovic and Neale Fenn who certainly know how to hit the back of the net.

The betting verdict

I can't see past a Dundalk win in this game and would be quite confident of it.

FIXED ODDS BETTING :

Take Dundalk to win. (main bet)

HANDICAP BETTING :

Take Dundalk -1 and for those of you that fancy a speculative punt consider Dundalk -2