Republic of Ireland vs Northern Ireland Match Thread

**Willum101** · 23/05/2011, 9:28 AM

I didn't see an existing dedicated thread so I hope it's not rude of me to start one up

Anyway as for the result...

I'd expect whatever 22 players are on the pitch from both sides will desperately want to win this. Therefore I'm expecting a very full on game. I wonder if Trap will send out some key Macedonia players, I'd be worried of the risk of injuries (on both sides).

Optimistic me says 2 - 0

Realistic me knows it will be 1 - 0 or 1 - 1

**ifk101** · 23/05/2011, 9:41 AM

Originally Posted by Willum101

both sides will desperately want to win this

**Sullivinho** · 23/05/2011, 9:44 AM

I'll take a 1-0 win, no injuries and a diet Coke please.

**awec** · 23/05/2011, 9:44 AM

Originally Posted by Willum101

I didn't see an existing dedicated thread so I hope it's not rude of me to start one up

Anyway as for the result...

I'd expect whatever 22 players are on the pitch from both sides will desperately want to win this. Therefore I'm expecting a very full on game. I wonder if Trap will send out some key Macedonia players, I'd be worried of the risk of injuries (on both sides).

Optimistic me says 2 - 0

Realistic me knows it will be 1 - 0 or 1 - 1

We have an extremely weak squad, we won't even score.

The ROI will win this comfortably, you heard it here first.

**SwanVsDalton** · 23/05/2011, 9:49 AM

Tomorrow has the potential to be the most diabolical game in the history of diaboli-ball.

Terrible first half, couple of second half goals ala Wales - 2-0.

**Not Brazil** · 23/05/2011, 9:53 AM

This has the makings of a mis-match.

The South to win by at least three.

Northern Ireland will be lucky to win a corner.

**Willum101** · 23/05/2011, 9:56 AM

lads the North may have a weak side but lets not kid ourselves that this will be a walkover! Since when do Ireland perform in 'walkovers'. I'd love a 3nil and no injuries but Wales was a different game altogether. Despite the inexperience of N.I , I'd fully expect them to give this a good go and not be afraid to get stuck in

**ifk101** · 23/05/2011, 10:01 AM

I'm sure they'll get stuck in but on paper Ireland has the better pick of players. The result is pretty much immaterial to me as the focus is on Macedonia but I would be disappointed if we don't win the game given the quality of opposition we are facing.

**zero** · 23/05/2011, 12:50 PM

should be an unusual lineup tomorrow, with withdrawls and unavailability.

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/...297547112.html

**tetsujin1979** · 23/05/2011, 1:03 PM

According to RTE, there's a press conference this afternoon but the team won't be announced until tomorrow: http://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2011/0523/ireland.html

Barry somebody-or-other is giving a talk on a green so that might overshadow any pronouncements from Il Trap

<EDIT>

Scratch that, Ken Early just revealed the starting lineup on twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/kenearlys/stat...48757321273344

ireland XI v NI: given, mcshane, kelly, delaney, wilson, coleman or lawrence, andrews, fahey or foley, treacy, keane, cox

Surely that should be Kelly at right full and McShane at centre half?
Nice to see Wilson getting a start at left full.

**tommy_c12000** · 23/05/2011, 1:09 PM

Just finished exams today so making the trip to Dublin 2moro for the game. First game I've been to since the Russian game at home. I have to say I'm really looking forward to it, but that could be more because of the inevitable feast of pints and camaradarie with old friends rather than the quality of football on offer. Hard to know what kind of side Ireland will have put out. But one thing is for sure, they will be far too strong for Northern Ireland. ROI to win 3-0

**ifk101** · 23/05/2011, 1:12 PM

I think Trapattoni sees Kelly more as a CB these days. I know I'd prefer to have Kelly in the center ahead of McShane.

Weak enough line-up tbh. Be interested to see if Wilson is at CB.

Fahey or Foley seems odd - can't be right surely?

**Charlie Darwin** · 23/05/2011, 1:14 PM

Fahey and Lawrence both have injury niggles. Dunne is out.

**Not Brazil** · 23/05/2011, 3:02 PM

I believe this will be the Northern Ireland starting XI tomorrow night.

Northern Ireland team: Blayney, Thompson, Hodson, Cathcart, McAuley, Clingan, Davis, Carson, Gorman, Feeney, McQuoid

**punkrocket** · 23/05/2011, 3:42 PM

I'm quite looking forward to seeing the new line up, hope the weather improves.

**geysir** · 23/05/2011, 3:59 PM

Thats the strangest starting line up I've seen since Stan in the US.
Isn't Delaney a LB? if so that would mean Wilson at CH.
I hope Fahey makes it to start at CM.

**tetsujin1979** · 23/05/2011, 4:14 PM

Wilson's been playing at left full for Stoke in recent weeks.

**Charlie Darwin** · 23/05/2011, 4:17 PM

So if Foley and Coleman start we'll have 6 full backs on the pitch.

**geysir** · 23/05/2011, 4:23 PM

Originally Posted by tetsujin1979

Wilson's been playing at left full for Stoke in recent weeks.

We know Wilson is versatile, but what about Delaney?
I thought he was mainly used as a LB.

**Charlie Darwin** · 23/05/2011, 4:29 PM

He's been playing centre half for Ipswich with O'Dea on the left. It makes sense to play them both in the positions they've been playing at club level. Wilson would be a more athletic option anyway.