Predict starting XI and score?

[mark12345]

Very nervous but Scotland always make me nervous. Ireland-lite though they be.

Any word on McCarthy?

Squad named. McCarthy's in it.

I would go with the following eleven to start against Scotland


Forde

Coleman O'Shea Delaney Clark

Gibson
McGeady McCarthy McLean

Long Walters

Subs (with a view to some participation): Keane, Brady, Quinn

[DannyInvincible]

Squad named. McCarthy's in it.

I would go with the following eleven to start against Scotland


Forde

Coleman O'Shea Delaney Clark

Gibson
McGeady McCarthy McLean

Long Walters

Subs (with a view to some participation): Keane, Brady, Quinn

McCarthy might be in it, but Delaney's not.

And McCarthy is in subject to a medical assessment by the FAI doctor. A Sky Sports piece earlier seemed to imply that that assessment would take place upon him joining up with the squad tonight.

[mark12345]

McCarthy might be in it, but Delaney's not.

And McCarthy is in subject to a medical assessment by the FAI doctor. A Sky Sports piece earlier seemed to imply that that assessment would take place upon him joining up with the squad tonight.

Oversight on my part. It would be sort of difficult for Damien to play if he wasn't even in the squad.

In that case we'd have to go with Clark at center half and Ward at left back. It's not the most inspiring Irish defence of all time, and against Fletcher and Naismith it could be all hands to the pump for long periods.
I have a feeling we'll take a 2-1 win from this tie. No basis in reality as I feel Scotland are a better team than us. Just a feeling.

[ArdeeBhoy]

How often have you seen Keogh play ? I actually saw him play for 90 minutes against Wednesday, albeit against an extremely light-weight attack and he did well. That said, I agree Delaney is playing in the Premiership and Keogh at a lower level. What exactly has Delaney done wrong I wonder - it's a bit Trapesque his exclusion.

Ciaran Clark anyone ?

Derby contacts on other MB's reckon he's not up to it (well not EPL standard or anywhere near) and has looked pretty shaky when I've seen him play. With respect, even Scotland's attack is far superior to that of the Wendys...

MO'N has unsettled me with his selection over Duffy/Delaney, similarly Clark's selection.
Hope I'm wrong, as any Irish fans anticipating an away win are seriously underestimating Alba, especially at home FFS...

[bishbash]

My 11,

Forde

Coleman O'Shea Clark Brady

McCarthy Gibson

Mcgeady Hendricks McClean

Long

Now I know there's absolutely no chance Brady will play left back but I'd prefer him at left back over ward who I feel is by far the weakest player in the squad, plus, he's played wing back recently for Hull. Also Walters is a certainty to play as will Keane. I really hope Scotland are not underestimated. They have some very decent team players with the 2 Fletchers, brown, Naismith & Hutton is playing well at right full for them. We're gonna have our work cut out.

[Littlest Hobo]

My 11,

Forde

Coleman O'Shea Clark Brady

McCarthy Gibson

Mcgeady Hendricks McClean

Long

Now I know there's absolutely no chance Brady will play left back but I'd prefer him at left back over ward who I feel is by far the weakest player in the squad, plus, he's played wing back recently for Hull. Also Walters is a certainty to play as will Keane. I really hope Scotland are not underestimated. They have some very decent team players with the 2 Fletchers, brown, Naismith & Hutton is playing well at right full for them. We're gonna have our work cut out.

Keep up with the script fella...D. Fletcher won't get a sniff of action and Hutton has been injured for a while. Clark has no chance and Brady is not a defender.

[bishbash]

Keep up with the script fella...D. Fletcher won't get a sniff of action and Hutton has been injured for a while. Clark has no chance and Brady is not a defender.

I never said Brady was a defender, but he has played there recently for Hull & I'd prefer him to Ward, that was my point. Also with Wilson missing I'd like to see Clark play. It's called an opinion.

[ArdeeBhoy]

One I'd agree with, if that's our options.
:(

[DeLorean]

Ward played well in Germany and it would be a total shot in the dark to see how Brady fares at left back. Left wing back is a completely different position and he was helped out by Hull being in ultra defensive mode generally at Anfield. Try Brady left back against the States if they think it's a runner but I doubt it is to be honest.

[paul_oshea]

We were fortunate for a bit of individual brilliance from McGeady(with a slight bit of luck on the turn he made when the ball came down) to get us out of Georgia with 3 points. We did very little else in the second half, for all the possession. Scotland are a better team than Georgia by a long way, and nowhere as limited when it comes to getting a goal. Stop running away with yerselves lads.

Scotland look like scoring more often than we do against decent opposition. I think we will get a draw here or could be one of those last minute winners for Scotland even though we have had most of the possession. I dont see us winning.

And when has McCarthy become our saviour or white knight, pinning winning all on him playing. He has had a few good games for Everton, but he still has done very little for us. Yet.

[DeLorean]

We were fortunate for a bit of individual brilliance from McGeady(with a slight bit of luck on the turn he made when the ball came down)

Ah now, not one of those 'he wouldn't do it again if he tried' bits of luck? Everything about the control and turn was totally deliberate and pure class.


could be one of those last minute winners for Scotland even though we have had most of the possession.

Funny you say that, it's a recurring fear running through my mind.

[DeLorean]

I don't think anybody is being deluded either. The biggest margin of victory I've seen is 2-0, most others having predicted a narrow win, a draw or a defeat. It's a pretty evenly matched game, could go either way but I think we have slightly better players overall and the setting should suit us well enough, as opposed to the likes of Tbilisi.

Wales did the double over them in the last campaign, winning at Hampden without Bale. They've improved since then but it so have we. This is definitely one of those games where the team that should have won didn't. That worries me because I think we'll give a performance.

Are you forgetting that free scoring Scotland limped to a 1-0 home win over Georgia, which surely gives some bit of context to our performance over there?

[the doc]

Hard one to pick this game, but true Irish men always stand up and be counted in these games.

Sadly a few in that squad don't fit that description.

If we lose I think we will struggle to make 3rd.

COYBIG

[ArdeeBhoy]

Tbh, a lot depends on our home form which has been generally kack in recent years. Losing to Alba wouldn't be a disaster if we can beat them and Polska at home...which is far from guaranteed IMO.

[jbyrne]

Hard one to pick this game, but true Irish men always stand up and be counted in these games.

Sadly a few in that squad don't fit that description.

If we lose I think we will struggle to make 3rd.

COYBIG

one slag that cant be thrown at this, or any, Irish team I have followed over the years.

who exactly do you refer? baffling statement!

[tetsujin1979]

I don't think anybody is being deluded either. The biggest margin of victory I've seen is 2-0, most others having predicted a narrow win, a draw or a defeat. It's a pretty evenly matched game, could go either way but I think we have slightly better players overall and the setting should suit us well enough, as opposed to the likes of Tbilisi.

Wales did the double over them in the last campaign, winning at Hampden without Bale. They've improved since then but it so have we. This is definitely one of those games where the team that should have won didn't. That worries me because I think we'll give a performance.

Are you forgetting that free scoring Scotland limped to a 1-0 home win over Georgia, which surely gives some bit of context to our performance over there?
it was an own goal too!

[paul_oshea]

Some stats from our game and their game.

They had 17 shots and 9 corners.

We had 6 shots(2 of which were on target and we scored from 100% return there :) ) and 4 corners.

Granted it shows poor finishing, it also shows they obviously had a lot more chances and created a lot more.

[DeLorean]

I guess that makes us a far more clinical team then.

[paul_oshea]

Perhaps DL, but being clinical and looking like scoring are not the same thing.

[Stuttgart88]

Perhaps DL, but being clinical and looking like scoring are not the same thing.i saw the game. Scotland weren't impressive at all and Georgia very nearly equalised but for a sloppy finish late on.
Lots of huff and puff from Scotland.

Stats are like bikinis as I said earlier in the week. They can look good but they don't show enough.

[paul_oshea]

To be honest i think they show too much most of the time.

[DeLorean]

I only saw some of that Scotland game but they certainly didn't appear all that creative, were on the back foot quite a bit and appeared very nervy. I'm not fussed about the stats. We were poor against Georgia too, no doubt, but we were never really on the back foot for any extended period. It's far more difficult playing these teams away anyway, so it's not even comparing like with like despite the opposition being the same.

My main point is that you seemed to simplify things by saying, 'we barely beat Georgia and Scotland are better than them'. All I'm saying is that we could say the same about them, regardless of how many corners they had.

[Olé Olé]

A couple of conundrums here- namely, centre half, centre of the park and up front. I fancy the following selections from MON in these regads:
1. Keogh centre-half. I don't think Keogh is as good as McShane or Delaney either. Pearce has a shot of starting too but Keogh has just shaded preference in MON's heart.
2. Whelan out and McCarthy in. Is it that simple? Will Quinn be beside McCarthy? Or will it be Gibson? Or Hendrick? I'd stump for Hendrick but I think Gibson has a bit more fitness than he had for the Germany game so I think he'll get the nod.
3. Up front will be Robbie. Not that I agree with it 100% but the calibre of defender he's up against will surely offer him the chance to employ some guile to manufacture/capitalise on chances for himself. He'll mentally drain them.

In conclusion, I predict a 4-4-2 with the distinct possibility of it shifting to the same formation as the Germany game (McGeady at 10, Walters on the right).

Forde
Coleman, O'Shea, Keogh, Ward
McGeady, Gibson, McCarthy, McClean
Keane, Walters

[Wangball]

Perhaps DL, but being clinical and looking like scoring are not the same thing.

Now you're being cynical about us being clinical!

I'm not a fan of that kind of linear thinking with statistics when it comes to stuff like this, its like school yard logic, if you can bash him and I can bash you then I can bash him...etc..

With regards to the team selection I reckon there's a chance that Hendrick could be slotted into the Holohan role behind a lone striker.

Forde
Coleman, O'Shea, Keogh, Ward
McGeady, Gibson, McCarthy, McClean
Hendrick
Keane

[mark12345]

A couple of conundrums here- namely, centre half, centre of the park and up front. I fancy the following selections from MON in these regads:
1. Keogh centre-half. I don't think Keogh is as good as McShane or Delaney either. Pearce has a shot of starting too but Keogh has just shaded preference in MON's heart.
2. Whelan out and McCarthy in. Is it that simple? Will Quinn be beside McCarthy? Or will it be Gibson? Or Hendrick? I'd stump for Hendrick but I think Gibson has a bit more fitness than he had for the Germany game so I think he'll get the nod.
3. Up front will be Robbie. Not that I agree with it 100% but the calibre of defender he's up against will surely offer him the chance to employ some guile to manufacture/capitalise on chances for himself. He'll mentally drain them.

In conclusion, I predict a 4-4-2 with the distinct possibility of it shifting to the same formation as the Germany game (McGeady at 10, Walters on the right).

Forde
Coleman, O'Shea, Keogh, Ward
McGeady, Gibson, McCarthy, McClean
Keane, Walters

I know everyone is picking Robbie in their starting eleven (many I'm sure because they can't see MON dropping him rather than him being capable of performing at the highest level over the 90 minutes). It is a big mistake, I reckon. It is sticking out that Ireland's front pairing should be the little and large variety of Walters and Long. One can challenge, and challenge quite capably, for the aerial ball, while the other can pick up the pieces and run at speed at the defence. Shane Long gives up an edge right now that Robbie cannot.

Don't get me wrong I would have no hesitation at all in bringing on Robbie with 20 - 30 minutes to go, no matter what the score was, but to start him is a bit of a waste.

Much as we try to pretend otherwise, there will be very little "culture" about the football played by both sides. Sure they'll try to keep it on the floor for the first 15 minutes but then it will be bombs (long balls) away for the remainder of the game.

[Duggie]

I know everyone is picking Robbie in their starting eleven (many I'm sure because they can't see MON dropping him rather than him being capable of performing at the highest level over the 90 minutes). It is a big mistake, I reckon. It is sticking out that Ireland's front pairing should be the little and large variety of Walters and Long. One can challenge, and challenge quite capably, for the aerial ball, while the other can pick up the pieces and run at speed at the defence. Shane Long gives up an edge right now that Robbie cannot.



Ya and one can finish...and that one is Robbie. Not even a question he is the number one name on every teamsheet for me. Personally i wouldn't mind seeing Long and Keane for this game, scored two at the weekend, might get him at the right time. Could play on the wing either and he has more pace than Walters.

[backstothewall]

Much as we try to pretend otherwise, there will be very little "culture" about the football played by both sides. Sure they'll try to keep it on the floor for the first 15 minutes but then it will be bombs (long balls) away for the remainder of the game.

I hope you're right. Scotland only have 2 specialist central defenders in the squad, and one of them is a 33 year old with 5 caps.

Looking at their squad I feel Walters must start up front with Long.

[Stuttgart88]

I can't decide. Keane's effectiveness is determined by how well we are contending in midfield and in the final third. I think Wes feeding Keane could tie a lesser CB pairing in knots. I think a Championship centre back pairing could handle the attritional stuff all day long. I know Owls Fans has cautioned against the view of The Championship being all rough and tumble, and I agree, but at the same time a Championship CB pairing won't be afraid of a bit of physicality.

Can we get decent enough ball to warrant Keane playing? I'm not sure. Can Keane and Long/Walters keep them busy? I think so.

I'd stick my neck out and go Long/Keane. Only problem is that if it needs changing it means more brawn as the solution.

[DeLorean]

That could depend on our central midfield selection more than anything. If we have a mixture of McCarthy, Hendrick or Gibson, it's more likely that we'll keep the ball on the ground. If it's a combination with Whelan and Quinn involved, it will probably be more of the same in terms of (not) retaining possession. I'm not putting Quinn in Whelan's bracket a such, but I think he's included for different reasons other than keeping the ball or controlling the game.

[tetsujin1979]

one thing I noticed about Quinn in the Oman game is he does try to move the ball very quickly, but the other side of that is that he doesn't give the impression of being comfortable in possession. Even when there was space to move with the ball, he was looking to make a pass as soon as possible.

[backstothewall]

I can't decide. Keane's effectiveness is determined by how well we are contending in midfield and in the final third. I think Wes feeding Keane could tie a lesser CB pairing in knots. I think a Championship centre back pairing could handle the attritional stuff all day long. I know Owls Fans has cautioned against the view of The Championship being all rough and tumble, and I agree, but at the same time a Championship CB pairing won't be afraid of a bit of physicality.

Can we get decent enough ball to warrant Keane playing? I'm not sure. Can Keane and Long/Walters keep them busy? I think so.

I'd stick my neck out and go Long/Keane. Only problem is that if it needs changing it means more brawn as the solution.

After my last post i had exactly that thought. Lumping it into the box will be meat and drink to a couple of journeyman centre backs. Might be better to bamboozle them with movement.

Maybe a 4-2-3-1 with Long up front in a sort of false 9 role with McGeady, Hoolahan & Brady behind making runs all over the place.

[Kingdom]

one thing I noticed about Quinn in the Oman game is he does try to move the ball very quickly, but the other side of that is that he doesn't give the impression of being comfortable in possession. Even when there was space to move with the ball, he was looking to make a pass as soon as possible.

Correct. I wouldn't be surprised to see a 3 man midfield with Quinn in it, but only if Whelan or McCarthy are playing. If they're not playing, then MON will have to go with a different strategy, more attack minded and I would see Quinn lose out to Hendrick in that situation.

[bishbash]

I really hope he goes with McCarthy & Gibson in a 3 man central midfield. Granted Gibson's fitness is suspect but he & McCarthy are our best footballers in that area. Hendrick ahead of them with Mclean & McGeady out wide. Its gonna be Keane up front. I think 3 in midield helps us to be compact but also with the right players it allows us to be dangerous on the counter. mcgeady & McLean can be good out balls for us but we need the likes of Gibson's better range of passing to allow that.

[Olé Olé]

I really hope he goes with McCarthy & Gibson in a 3 man central midfield. Granted Gibson's fitness is suspect but he & McCarthy are our best footballers in that area. Hendrick ahead of them with Mclean & McGeady out wide. Its gonna be Keane up front. I think 3 in midield helps us to be compact but also with the right players it allows us to be dangerous on the counter. mcgeady & McLean can be good out balls for us but we need the likes of Gibson's better range of passing to allow that.

That team you've come up with there sounds very sweet, I do agree. Only there are two players that MON has shown preference for who I think will be factored in: Walters and Whelan (if fit). Whelan in for Gibson and Walters for Hendrick (note that McClean, McGeady and Keane are unlikely to be budged).

All of a sudden, the team changes from a 4-2-3-1 to 4-4-2 or 4-4-1-1 (depending on whether Walters is on the right and McGeady at 10 or Walters is up front with Aiden on the right).

Actually, what about the following: drop Hendrick, stick Long on right and put McGeady at 10. That's where Long has been playing for Southampton (although maybe more advanced in a 4-3-3).

Again, Walters is going to play. It's an away game and he got a goal the weekend. I'm not overly disappointed with this but we have more exciting (or maybe just popular) options.

I'll be happy once Long makes an appearance, at least off the bench. Unlike the Germany game.

[Fixer82]

The team I think O'Neill will put out:

- - - - - - -Forde - - - - - -

Coleman Keogh O'Shea Ward

Walters McCarthy Quinn McClean

- - - - -McGeady- - - - -

- - - - - Keane- - - - -


The team I'd like to see:

- - - - - - Forde - - - - - -

Coleman Delaney* O'Shea Ward

McGeady McCarthy Hendrick McClean

- - - -Walters - - Long - - - - -


with McGeady and Walters interchanging if we're under the cosh and McGeady playing in the hole

*not in squad I know

[ArdeeBhoy]

Agreed. Usually there's a lot of waffle on these threads but (Posters!) bb and oo making good sense too.

[BonnieShels]

Agreed. Usually there's a lot of waffle on these threads but bb and oo making good sense too.

The Billy Boys and the Orange Order?

[osarusan]

I'll go for 1-1.

[geysir]

The team I think O'Neill will put out:

- - - - - - -Forde - - - - - -

Coleman Keogh O'Shea Ward

Walters McCarthy Quinn McClean

- - - - -McGeady- - - - -

- - - - - Keane- - - - -


It's a question whether he will persist with McGeady in that central role. Why do you think O'Neill would favour Quinn over Hendrick in that line up?

[Duggie]

It's a question whether he will persist with McGeady in that central role. Why do you think O'Neill would favour Quinn over Hendrick in that line up?

McCarthy out now.

[Duggie]

id like to see this team now..

---------------------Forde---------------
Coleman-------O'Shea---------Keogh-----------------Ward

Walters----------Hendrick-----------Gibson-----------McGeady

-----------------------------Long--------------------------
-------------------------Keane----------------------------

Long has the lungs to drop back a bit if we need more bodies in midfield. I think if we have a real go we will defo score. Scotland have nothing we should be scared off. Possibly Walters/McClean, couldn't decide, maybe Walters from the start.

[ArdeeBhoy]

The way it's going, I'll take a 0-0...

[paul_oshea]

Whatever look Mon has with fashioning goals at the death, he certainly has been very unlucky when it comes to injuries.

I can see our midfield being bypassed quite a bit tomorrow night.

[Stuttgart88]

Our midfield is always bypassed!

[Fixer82]

It's a question whether he will persist with McGeady in that central role. Why do you think O'Neill would favour Quinn over Hendrick in that line up?

I think he will because he has played every game until now. I think he likes him.

With the injuries now I think I'd go for.

-------------------Forde -------------

Coleman O'Shea Keogh Ward

McGeady Hendrick Gibson McClean

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


Or maybe Long up front with Walters coming out for Quinn and Quinn playing no.10 role

[osarusan]

I'll go for 1-1.

We suddenly look a bit threadbare in midfield, and our defence will be doing more work than I would have expected...but I still don't think the Scots are that good.

I can see them having lots of possession but not doing much with it. We could be just as productive with less possession.

I will stick with 1-1.

[Fixer82]

I'm going for 1-1.
I think the Scots will be good.

[passinginterest]

- - - - - - -Forde - - - - - -

Coleman O'Shea Clarke Ward

-------------Gibson------------
McGeady Hendrick Quinn McClean

- - - - - - -Keane- - - - -

1-0 Scotland

[Fixer82]

- - - - - - -Forde - - - - - -

Coleman O'Shea Clarke Ward

-------------Gibson------------
McGeady Hendrick Quinn McClean

- - - - - - -Keane- - - - -

1-0 Scotland

Nah can't see Clark starting ahead of Keogh

[Littlest Hobo]

With mc Carthy out, my out-look on this has changed. Instead of 2-0, my head is now telling me a draw will be the best we can realistically achieve. I'd now go for a conservative 4-2-3-1...

Forde

Coleman O Shea Keogh Ward

Gibson Quinn
Mc Geady Hendrick Mc Clean

Keane

Walters and Long to play some part if we're chasing a goal.