Since beginning of the season Bray took five points, picking four in last two games versus Harps and Bohs. Still, they are one of the worst, if not the worst team in league, not according by their result, but performances. So far they've scored two goals, and although Derry's defense isn't among the best i see them having hard time to score in this clash. Not that only attack is their weak point, their defense is also leaking at the times, and they can hold on to the result only like in last match scenario. They've scored in 3rd minute from penalty, and then just defended whole match, Bohs had disallowed goal, and eventually managed to only equalize in 2nd half. Bray is good only when defending with 10 men, and at home they can't do it, no matter that Derry is on other side. For this match Bray will again have some missings and questionable players such as 2nd goalie McInerney, attacker Myler, defender Pender, few long term injuries - Foran, Doherty and Georgescu. Few of them might show up, but majority won't. Furthermore "engine" in the midfield, McCabe, is suspended.

As i said in Derry - Sligo preview, i kind of expected Derry's slump after last good results, but i didn't expected them not to score. Goalless draw made Pats outjump them on first place and Derry is now the ones who are chasing the leader. In the mid week they've played Setanta Cup match versus N. Irish side Glentoran, also drawing 1:1, but according to fans of both clubs Derry should take comfortable win 3 or 4 to one. In that game both teams introduced some new players, resting some important ones for league clashes. There are question marks above few Derry players like Morrow, Deery or Hargan, but as they didn't played any role so far in this season, it isn't a problem. First goalkeeper Quigley is still injured, but his substitute Doherty showed he is adequate substitute. More important missing could prove to be McCourt in the midfield, arguably Derry's best player. But i don't think it will affect much, Derry without him made numerous chances vs Glentoran and should be able to do so against even weaker Bray. Derry is 2nd most efficient team in league, they didn't scored only in last match versus Sligo and i think it won't repeat so soon.

Conclusion: Except quality difference that should prevail in this match, Bray will again have some missings, and Derry after two draws in a row has to return to the winning ways. They are very efficient and should score one or two, while i don't think that Bray will score in third consecutive match. Bray in last three season never took more then a point versus Derry, in fact they've lost most of their mutual clashes and i can see Derry winning again, with clean sheet.

Predicted score: 0:2

Pick : Derry
Odds : 1.95
Stake : 7 / 10
Bookmaker : Eurobet
Date : 2008-04-18
Match Result : 1-0
Tipster Personal Link/Sponsor: http://scythe.blogabet.com/

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