If we take JOSH as a caretaker manager only (i.e. not a live candidate for the vacancy), he's unlikely to shake things up too much. I would expect he'll start Bazunu today and Kelleher Tuesday, which would be a selection 'without prejudicing' the new mans thoughts (if that's the correct term to use in this instance).
I wouldn't be surprised if he reverted to a 4 at the back (I recall seeing somewhere he favours a 4 at the back), so it's a question of 4231 or 433. I don't think we've 3 midfielders who can do what's required of those 3, so I'll plump for a 4231.
I'd expect to see Doc, Andy O, Dara O and Manning now that he's fit as the 4. All our cbs (bar O'Brien) have had mistakes in them at club-level this season and there's been a serious deterioration in Nathan Collins performances particualrly for us but also at club level. Andy O is not without mistake either, but since coming in during the FA Cup in January from what I've seen of him, he's played really well in a team that concedes a lot of chances, so I'd start him. Dara O'Shea deserves to partner him.
I'd hope to see Ryan Manning purely because there's no other decent lb there and Doherty is not a solution going forward, but a better solution than Robbie Brady.
given the attacking 3-1 picks itself (doesn't it?) that just leaves who to pick as the 2 in midfield. Knight has the athleticism and grunt necessary, but you can't pick him and Cullen - they simply are too small. I haven't seen anything at Senior level that suggests Will Smallbone deserves gametime, nevermind starting, but he's got to be doing something right, and we need someone to get their foot on the ball to feed the front 4 so he could get the nod as the 2nd midfield player.
Baz
Doc
Andy O
Dara OS
Manning
Smallbone
Knight
Ogbene
Smodzics
Johnston
Ferguson
Here they come! It’s the charge of the “Thanks” Brigade!
I started really paying attention in the buildup to the 1994 WC. Ireland/Italy at Giants Stadium ten minutes from my house was a great day. And there's been fun moments since.
Its just been bad and disorganized for a long time, Kingdom and its taken the air out.
The Irish I know here who 20 years ago were all really into it, I'm telling you none of them know the team is ever playing.
Not sure if you’ve been asked before, Crosby, but do you have any Irish in you?
I refuse to make the old joke !Originally Posted by SkStu
Go for it man
#6 inches
Hahahaa! I was genuinely wondering but also knew what I was doing!
The people I'd have watched games with in the past are the same. I've drifted in and out myself at different points but they are all following LoI, rugby, gaa, or not much at all these days.
It's hard to separate the FAI from the team, particularly when both are in bad shape. The Kenny saga didn't help.
But I am off to the game now, and......I'm buzzing all the same!
Kelleher
Coleman
O'Shea
Omobamidele
Brady
Cullen
Smallbone
Szmodics
Ogbene
Ferguson
Collins is playing as well
What's the formation? 3-4-3?
Or is it 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1?
Collins O'Shea Omobamidele
Coleman Smallbone Cullen Brady
Ogbene Ferguson Szmodics
Coleman Collins Omobamidele O'Shea
Smallbone Cullen
Ogbene Szmodics Brady
Ferguson
Coleman Omobamidele O'Shea Brady
Collins Smallbone Cullen
Ogbene Ferguson Szmodics
Coleman Collins Omobamidele O'Shea
Ogbene Cullen Smallbone Brady
Szmodics
Ferguson
Looks like a 3-4-3 formation. On paper a very Stephen Kenny type of setup, too light in the middle, too many attacking players considering the standard of opposition, too many centres backs in the box but acres of space around it for long shots. And a left sided defender who isn't good enough. Hopefully I'm wrong and O'Shea will have them set up differently on the pitch.
Keane O'Shea Given Best Smallbone
Fotmob have it as a 4 3 3, with Collins in midfield. I've not been one that's wanted that but plenty have. Let's see
Its really not that complicated!!!
If it's 5 at the back and he's gone with Brady and Coleman as wing backs in the year 2024 then this man really shouldn't be near getting this gig (I don't think he is).
Quite something if he's had the option of playing any combination of the pace of Ogbene, Ebosele and Johnston out wide but he's gone for Coleman and Brady instead!
Keane O'Shea Given Best Smallbone
Mick doesn't sound like a fan of picking Collins in midfield.
When was the last time Robbie Brady started a match for us, anyone know?
September 2022
https://mastodon.ie/@irish_abroad/112145896030126078
Mick also said he doesn't know some of the Belgian players. Massive bugbear of mine over the years is pundits being paid to talk about football and not doing any homework
Its really not that complicated!!!
It's why Lisa Fallon is the best pundit imo. Since she's actually worked as an analyst for clubs and NI. Was one of the triple headers our U21s played June 2022 where she was on commentary and pre game gave a detailed breakdown on how the opposition like to play and their weaknesses.
Personally I thought she went too far the other way though. She talks like its straight out of coaching manual sometimes, although I think she's improved recently. Mick sounds like a dinosaur here, get the ball into the big man Ferguson, Breen far better in his analysis
Its really not that complicated!!!
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