Scotland V Republic of Ireland - Friday, 14th November 2014 - Euro 2016 Qualifier

[Kingdom]

The Scots might pick the young Hull guy Robetyson at left back. He looks Lacey going forward but lacks experience.

I agree we can really look to get at their defence though. Whoever starts upfront McClean, McGeady and Hoolahan can all look to have plenty of involvement

I have a feeling Walters will be dropped to restore McGeady to his best position, but he is likely to pick Quinn over Hoolahan.

I've looked at a few of their squads this morning over the last 12 months, and it looks like he has picked Whittaker in the games where there will be equal of less possesion, or where they'll be challenged on the flanks, and then Robertson in the more open games, or where they look to attack from deep.

It is early days though, and part of me wonders whether Strachan's comments were deliberate the other day when he referred to the tie as a proper british tie (no-sic) with possession stats going out the window; Strachan is no fool either and he's not averse to using psychology himself.

I know the Germany game didn't exactly prove my feelings about McGeady to be right, in that the role to maximise his talents is the number 10 role, but jesus, it was a stupid game to start him there.

My reasoning for it, and I say this with confidence, is because I would reckon I watched every game he played for Spartak, and some of his best performances were in the middle spot. He's all about receiving the ball from deep (in either half) and running with it, and then utilising the runs either side of him. Playing him through the middle means it is harder for him to be double-marked, which can be easy to do when he's on the right flank.
Also, and I agree that it's a valid criticism, that his end product is diminished out wide, but again I believe there is a reason for that. We in the main tend to not get players ahead of the ball, and if we do, it's generally only Robbie. It must be extremely frustrating if you are a winger, and you beat a man, get to the zone, and tend find you have a tiny striker (by comparison) to try and set up.

Wes is a better 10 in so far as linking up play with the midfield and receiving the ball facing the wrong way -but you'd expect that as he's always been considered that type of player. McGeady I'd contend is better at the kind of Bergkamp 10 (not comparing him to Dennis but it's been a long day already.)

I have to say too, that I was worried looking at some of the link up play between the two as the Gibraltar game wore on and as Wes attempted to exert his dominance on the game, McGeady almost looked disinterested. It worried me.

[Stuttgart88]

I think Strachan is right wrt the type of game it'll be. I've no problem with him describing it that way. Every player for each team plays for or has played football in Britain. They're not going to go all tika taka just because it's a European qualifier. We're more likely to retain a bit more of the Trap philosophy of getting bodies behind the ball but equally I think O'Neill won't be as concerned about the technical nature of our opponents on this occasion.

I don't want to get all melodramatic, but I think this game could prove pivotal in the fortunes of Irish football for the next several years. A win brings its own momentum, restores the country's attention to and affection for the team, restores the credibility of the national team, and makes the rest of the campaign thrilling with Ireland leading from the front rather than simply hanging on in. The crowds would be back, the FAI will earn a few quid and if we were to go as far as qualify it would capture the public mood and bring in more much needed revenue from UEFA. It could turn a promising generation of young players into winners and phase out some of the old guard for new blood. It would make winning away from home the standard to aim for rather than the exception.

We had a similar turning point moment against Israel (home and away) and we fluffed it. It set us back years.

[back of the net]

Coleman and McCarthy confirmed both start for Everton today at home to Villa

EDIT:Long starts for southampton at home to sunderland

[Kingdom]

I think Strachan is right wrt the type of game it'll be. I've no problem with him describing it that way. Every player for each team plays for or has played football in Britain. They're not going to go all tika taka just because it's a European qualifier. We're more likely to retain a bit more of the Trap philosophy of getting bodies behind the ball but equally I think O'Neill won't be as concerned about the technical nature of our opponents on this occasion.

I don't want to get all melodramatic, but I think this game could prove pivotal in the fortunes of Irish football for the next several years. A win brings its own momentum, restores the country's attention to and affection for the team, restores the credibility of the national team, and makes the rest of the campaign thrilling with Ireland leading from the front rather than simply hanging on in. The crowds would be back, the FAI will earn a few quid and if we were to go as far as qualify it would capture the public mood and bring in more much needed revenue from UEFA. It could turn a promising generation of young players into winners and phase out some of the old guard for new blood. It would make winning away from home the standard to aim for rather than the exception.

We had a similar turning point moment against Israel (home and away) and we fluffed it. It set us back years.

Yessir, I find myself agreeing with you (as per normal!). This game is one of a series of 3 that will be huge for our long-term aspirations. I'd take guaranteed qualifying for every euros, and 1 out of 3 World Cups for the foreseeable future.
Missing out on this Euro's would be a tough pill to swallow, because were we to make it, it's almost impossible for us to get the kind of draw we got for Euro 2012, and as you are essentially saying, the bounce from qualifying for 2016 would follow on from there.

It's a great point too about winning results in leading from the front, and certainly a top of the table clash at home to Poland in Round 5 in March.

It will be no harm to keep an eye on this link over the next 6 months, particularly if we stay unbeaten http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UEFA_Eu...d-placed_teams because I think our group could be the one that has the auto qualifier. And the reality is if we do beat Scotland, or at worst stay unbeaten to Scotland alone, I reckon we'll finish3rd at worst.

[Crosby87]

Chaps dont forget the Irish tonight vs Florida State. Its as massive a clash as will take place in many of your lifetimes. Irish are heavy dogs. Cantget anyone to take the bet though pending the FSU QBs possible suspension. The drama builds lads......

[Olé Olé]

If McGeady and McCarthy are the two Scottish-born players of Irish descent in our camp, is Darren Fletcher the only Scottish-born player of Irish descent in the Scottish camp?

On a second name basis you could query Reynolds, Maloney, McArthur and Burke, the latter two coming from Glasgow. Burke came through the Rangers academy but originally played for Celtic Boys Club.

[tetsujin1979]

If McGeady and McCarthy are the two Scottish-born players of Irish descent in our camp, is Darren Fletcher the only Scottish-born player of Irish descent in the Scottish camp?

On a second name basis you could query Reynolds, Maloney, McArthur and Burke, the latter two coming from Glasgow. Burke came through the Rangers academy but originally played for Celtic Boys Club.

Burke's dad is a season ticket holder at Celtic Park, believe it or not.

[Olé Olé]

Burke's dad is a season ticket holder at Celtic Park, believe it or not.

Conceivable he's of Irish stock in some way or another so. He's got quite ginger-y hair anyway!

Imagine the ribbing Burke Snr. must have taken from his Celtic Park-attending mates.

[TheOneWhoKnocks]

Conceivable he's of Irish stock in some way or another so. He's got quite ginger-y hair anyway!

Imagine the ribbing Burke Snr. must have taken from his Celtic Park-attending mates.

Scotland has the most red haired people per capita in the world.

[Olé Olé]

Scotland has the most red haired people per capita in the world.

Christ almighty. It was a throwaway comment that I didn't think would be subject to your powers of fine-toothed comb research.

[Supreme feet]

We had a similar turning point moment against Israel (home and away) and we fluffed it. It set us back years.

This.

If we had beaten Israel home and away in 2005, we would have qualified for that World Cup with a few points to spare. With a core of Given, Carr, Finnan, Harte, Dunne, Duff, Kilbane and Keane in their primes, Roy Keane and Cunningham providing leadership, and a youthful O'Shea, Doyle, Andy Reid and Steven Reid, we could have done quite well there. Kerr would have maintained his credibility and command of the dressing room, and we could have avoided the Staunton era, which genuinely set us back several years. Sickens me to think about it.

[Crosby87]

Israel scored a late goal right? That was annoying. Actually I remember watching it at a UES Irish pub but there were jewish kids there from nyu being obnoxious. I seem to remember Andy Reid scoring from a set piece but then again I seem to remember a lot of things.

Anyway you chaps should take a nap now. Notre Dame will be on til almost 5 am Dubs time.

[BonnieShels]

Israel scored a late goal right? That was annoying. Actually I remember watching it at a UES Irish pub but there were jewish kids there from nyu being obnoxious. I seem to remember Andy Reid scoring from a set piece but then again I seem to remember a lot of things.

Anyway you chaps should take a nap now. Notre Dame will be on til almost 5 am Dubs time.

Leafs-Red Wings, Lightning-Canucks is taking precedence tonight.

[Supreme feet]

Israel scored a late goal right? That was annoying. Actually I remember watching it at a UES Irish pub but there were jewish kids there from nyu being obnoxious. I seem to remember Andy Reid scoring from a set piece but then again I seem to remember a lot of things.

Anyway you chaps should take a nap now. Notre Dame will be on til almost 5 am Dubs time.

Conceded a 90th minute equaliser when 1-0 up in Tel-Aviv. Threw away an early 2-0 lead (Harte scored a free-kick) at Lansdowne by half time, peppered their goal in the second half but just couldn't score. Ended up finishing three points behind the eventual group winners.

[Eirambler]

I think we can win this game if we bide our time and pick Scotland off when the chances come. Scotland have already conceded two goals to Poland and an out-of-sorts Germany. No matter what combination of Hutton/Hanley/Martin/Greer/Whittaker/Robertson they pick at the back, that looks like a championship standard defence that can only concede goals. So as long as we are solid defensively ourselves, similar to the Germany game, the chances should come at the other end.

Looking at Scotland, they really seem to have an unusually attacking approach for an international team - especially one with such a poor looking back four. Maybe it is over compensation for the Levein years on their part. They seem to keep one player sitting in front of the back four and everyone else bombs on. With their defensive options looking sub-standard that seems like a potential recipe for disaster.

I actually think the last thing we should do here is get involved in a 'British style' blood and thunder type game as Strachan suggests it might be. They look decent enough going forward so that would play into their hands. Naysmith, Maloney and Anya in particular will need watching. I'd sit two midfielders in front of the back four, soak up a bit of Scottish attacking play, and then hit them hard on the counter attack. In this kind of game McGeady, McClean, Coleman and whoever O'Neill picks in an attacking central position can really get at an exposed Scottish defence and win us the game.

[ArdeeBhoy]

Burke's dad is a season ticket holder at Celtic Park, believe it or not.

Conceivable he's of Irish stock in some way or another so. He's got quite ginger-y hair anyway!

Imagine the ribbing Burke Snr. must have taken from his Celtic Park-attending mates.

He also had similar for Castle Greyskull when his son played for that lot...

[ArdeeBhoy]

The scottish back 4 v Poland was

Hutton --- Greer ------ (R) Martin --- Whittaker

-----------------Long/Keane------------------

McClean ------- Hoolahan ------- McGeady


That' a back 4 we should be making hay against. I reckon there is potential for trouble with McClean and Hutton. Hutton's a vicious b'tard at the best of times and a geat wind-up merchant. McClean's a hot-head, and if he can be lucky to stay on the pitch against Gibraltar then he's bound to be in trouble against that pleb. McGeady could really turn the screw on either side.

I've seen a bit of Greer for Brighton and I just can't believe he's playing cb for them. Added to Russell MArtin there are goals for us there. They'll be susceptible to balls on the deck, in bhnind them, and a bit of pace. Even if Hanley comes back into the team (assuming he's injured?) I don't think it changes much.

It's in midfield where it'll be won or lost. If Darren Fletcher is fully fit again, I just cannot see him being left out, most likely at the expense of James Morrison, a player I really like, and I think he' the ability to hurt us. Scott Brown is decent, but truth be told, I see him potentially a weak link for them, and I wouldn't have him in our team ahead of Whelan, Gibson or McCarthy. It's likely - all things considered - that Naismith will occupy the area just off the striker, and how we cope with that intricacy will decide the tie (probably). He was never a world beater, but he has become crucial to both Everton and Scotland, and it's testament to both the player himself and Martinez that he's developed into the cog that he's become.

There is an aspect of our play that I struggle to come to terms with, always under Trap, but continued with under O'Neill - that we cede possession to so many teams so easily, and we seemingly set up our team for when the opposition has the ball, rather than for when have possession. Obviously it is early days in the tenure, and they've had one impossibly tough assignment to the world champions. I'm a big fan of Whelan in how we set up presently, but in a system whereby we maximise the players at our disposal in an offensive manner, then I think Whelan becomes slightly surplus to requirements.

There are few better holding midfielders in Britain than McCarthy, but he excels in a system of 3 whereby there are two sitters, with one of the two allowed progress if the situation demands it. I'd expect Scotland will play two natural midfielders in Brown and Fletcher, in which case we'll almost certainly be handing the initiative to them if we pick both Whelan and McCarthy to sit. So I think that is one riddle O'Neill has to work out.

Full-back is going to be crucial too, because they are decent going forward. Anya isn't a great technician (I don't think so anyway) and is definitely weak tracking back, but man is he quick. Maloney is very inconsistent, but he has the potential to hurt, and is a bit magic close to the box on set-pieces too. I'd pray to St ANthony that Coleman is fit. I think defensively Ward was excellent against Germany, and what stood out is that defensively he kept it simple. He held his line excellently, kept the body open enough for the slide-pass behind without getting caught ball-watching, made proper tackles and interceptions and cleared his lines properly. From a defensive point of view, it was almost flawless.


Scotland could line up like

-------------------Gordon ---------------
Hutton--- Greer/Hanley -- Martin---Whittaker
Maloney ---- Brown -- Fletcher ----- Anya
-----------------Naismith----------------
-----------------Fletcher-----------------

If we were to line up below, I think we've a great chance of taking three points.
----------------Forde--------------------
Coleman----OShea---Wilson-----Ward
McGeady --McCarthy-Gibson -- McClean
---------------Hoolahan-----------------
--------------Keane/Long---------------

I think we can win this game if we bide our time and pick Scotland off when the chances come. Scotland have already conceded two goals to Poland and an out-of-sorts Germany. No matter what combination of Hutton/Hanley/Martin/Greer/Whittaker/Robertson they pick at the back, that looks like a championship standard defence that can only concede goals. So as long as we are solid defensively ourselves, similar to the Germany game, the chances should come at the other end.

Don't think anyone has factored in the injuries/'unavailability' factor? Which could still be a big one.

Still think they have a greater attacking threat but a weaker defence, so a score draw. And of course am never wrong with my predictions...

[DannyInvincible]

If McGeady and McCarthy are the two Scottish-born players of Irish descent in our camp, is Darren Fletcher the only Scottish-born player of Irish descent in the Scottish camp?

On a second name basis you could query Reynolds, Maloney, McArthur and Burke, the latter two coming from Glasgow. Burke came through the Rangers academy but originally played for Celtic Boys Club.

Was there talk at one point that Bannan was eligible to play for us? And, as Stutts was saying, don't forget Anya from Gweedore!

[ArdeeBhoy]

Gweedore in Nigeria? Or Romania?


Shaun Maloney also was allegedly eligible. Acc. to a few Tims, though pretty sure that connection's too far back.

[Charlie Darwin]

Gweedore in Nigeria? Or Romania?

You can't possibly not get the joke.