Euro 2016 Play-Offs - November 13th and 16th

[Stuttgart88]

I'm almost sure I read MON say 5 man midfield is almost certain.

Doyle can hustle upfront and is still a deadly header of a ball. And younger than Murphy as you say.

I'd be inclined to use Wessi away, for ball retention under pressure and to help nick an away goal.

[DeLorean]

Yeah I just wonder with Hoolahan if it's a case of one or the other. If so, I'd prefer to have him at home when it's hopefully all to play for.

I didn't know MON said that.

[DeLorean]

Something about Westwood sitting out training on the radio.

[Closed Account]

Something about Westwood sitting out training on the radio.
Looks like it:
http://www.sportsfile.com/winshare/w540/Library/SF512/1078352.jpg


If, as all evidence would suggest, Wes will only start 1 game, then I'd prefer it to be the home game. Play 4-3-3 at home, no room for Robbie. High pressing game so that if Wes does get it, it'll be in the final third where he can do damage.
It all boils down to the away leg though because whatever happens there dictates Mondays tactics. 4-5-1 is the conservative option and with what's at stake, the only option management could justify. The lone striker has to be able to hold it up, and Doyler, from what I've seen of him in the last few years, has lost a lot of his effectiveness in this area. I haven't seen much of Murphy to be fair though, there's probably not much in it. If one of them could do a job for 60-70 minutes and we could get something out of Shane Long off the bench, it'd be ideal. I really don't care who he picks in the back 4, midfield 5 away from home, as long as they play for the jersey on their chest. Westwood is the biggest call. His kickouts and distribution will take vital pressure off our back 4. Randolph has a great kickout too but I think Westwood would instill more belief in the back 4 as he has more experience.

[punkrocket]

Maybe he would be lonely(Only kidding) I Long for Long. So Long as its not So Long !

So long is one of the few phrases that has made it into the English (or rather American) lexicon from Irish. That and hooligan, who I think were the same tribe as the Hoolohans way back.

[Crosby87]

Also Ooch Aye.

[thischarmingman]

Hard to believe it'll all be over one way or another this time next week.

[punkrocket]

Maybe it won't be over until next July.

[OwlsFan]

As regards odds, PaddyPower have us 16/5 to win which is far from generous. B/H are just slightly under evens to win (19/20) and draw 11/5. Haven't seen the odds on who they think will progress overall.

If we can keep it to within a goal I'd be reasonably happy.

[Gather round]

As regards odds, PaddyPower have us 16/5 to win which is far from generous. B/H are just slightly under evens to win (19/20) and draw 11/5. Haven't seen the odds on who they think will progress overall

British bookie William Hill's odds to progress:

Ukraine 60-40 Slovenia
Norway 58-42 Hungary
Sweden 57-43 Denmark
Bosnia 56-44 Irish Republic

[Crosby87]

I was thinking today....since Doyle has been training and playing in that altitude for a while, he could be seeing a boost physically. His lung capacity will be a little above usual. Don't discount that! Colorado air is special.

[Fixer82]

I think there's much of a muchness between Murphy and Doyle. I'd go with Murphy myself. Very strong. Let\s not forget he deserved the goal against Scotland. Can be a real nuisance and probably physically a little more awkward than Doyle. Although Doyle is probably a slightly stronger runner. Has a replacement striker been called up for Long for 1st leg? I assume he won't be playing. Adam Rooney is playing well, although it's insignificant as whoever is called up will be 4th choice striker

[OwlsFan]

British bookie William Hill's odds to progress:

Ukraine 60-40 Slovenia
Norway 58-42 Hungary
Sweden 57-43 Denmark
Bosnia 56-44 Irish Republic

The closest of the four then.

[Yard of Pace]

I think there's much of a muchness between Murphy and Doyle. I'd go with Murphy myself. Very strong. Let\s not forget he deserved the goal against Scotland. Can be a real nuisance and probably physically a little more awkward than Doyle. Although Doyle is probably a slightly stronger runner.

Ah, if Doyle is close to being the player he was a couple of years ago he is far classier than Murphy. He's also done the business for us plenty of times. If he made the final squad he's obviously training well, and if he wasn't doing well for Colorado, they'd have bounced him out of there like they did with Caleb Folan. I'd love to see Doyle start. I don't see a goal or even much of a threat in Murphy. I think he's a real donkey, albeit one that can finish like a thoroughbred at times. He's never scored for us though.

[DeLorean]

Is it pretty obvious at this stage that this will be the team?...

-------------- Randolph -----------------
-- Coleman - Keogh - Clark - Wilson --
Hendrick - Whelan - McCarthy - Brady
-------------- Hoolahan ----------------
--------------- Murphy ------------------

[Olé Olé]

Is it pretty obvious at this stage that this will be the team?...

-------------- Randolph -----------------
-- Coleman - Keogh - Clark - Wilson --
Hendrick - Whelan - McCarthy - Brady
-------------- Hoolahan ----------------
--------------- Murphy ------------------

Don't you think they'll keep Hoolahan in reserve for the second leg?

I can see it being Keane and Murphy up top. I'd be surprised if Doyle was called back to start after a long time out and he's playing at the same level as Keane.

Aside from that, I'd fancy that side but there's the potential for McClean to play on the left, Brady at left back and two from Clark, Wilson and Keogh in the heart of the defence.

[geysir]

There's a reasonable doubt that Hoolahan will start and is Ward injured?

[DeLorean]

No, he came on for Burnley at the weekend.

[DeLorean]

Don't you think they'll keep Hoolahan in reserve for the second leg?

Definitely a possibility and a decision I wouldn't particularly disagree with. I'm just going by Roy Keane saying that he would be physically able to play in the consecutive games and MON saying he'll more than likely play five in midfield, according to Stutts. Having said that, Keane was discussing Meyler at the press conference too so maybe he's an option in there.


I can see it being Keane and Murphy up top. I'd be surprised if Doyle was called back to start after a long time out and he's playing at the same level as Keane.

Yeah, I fully agree re: Doyle to be honest.


Aside from that, I'd fancy that side but there's the potential for McClean to play on the left, Brady at left back and two from Clark, Wilson and Keogh in the heart of the defence.

He could definitely see this as a McClean type game but I kind of hope he doesn't.

[Closed Account]

Stephen Henderson called in to replace Rob Elliot.

[Kingdom]

I'm going to use the criteria that O'Neill will throw a curve-ball per selection. I think he's going to play Arter in the Hoolahan role.

Randolph
Coleman Keogh Clark Ward
Hendrick Whelan McCarthy Brady
Arter
Murphy

With Hendrick and Brady playing more inside than touchline hugging.

[jbyrne]

I'm going to use the criteria that O'Neill will throw a curve-ball per selection. I think he's going to play Arter in the Hoolahan role.

Randolph
Coleman Keogh Clark Ward
Hendrick Whelan McCarthy Brady
Arter
Murphy

With Hendrick and Brady playing more inside than touchline hugging.

interesting thought but I think Arters lack of game time may count against him. I think it will be a very conservative selection with possibly meyler in midfield with McCarthy pushed on

[DeLorean]

Shane Long has been ruled out for the first leg. He has returned to Southampton for treatment but remains in contention for Monday. Alan Judge has been cleared to join up with the squad.

Edit- Link (http://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2015/1111/741215-long-to-miss-first-leg-against-bosnia/)

[Closed Account]

Westwood, now at Sheffield Wednesday (http://www.sheffieldwednesday-mad.co.uk), had a pre-existing ankle injury flare up today in training at the FAI National Training Centre in Dublin and has been replaced by Charlton Athletic (http://www.charltonathletic-mad.co.uk) goalkeeper Stephen Henderson.

[Charlie Darwin]

Expected Long to miss out, so Meyler still the big worry for me. Was brilliant when he came on against Germany and we may need a player like him late on in either game.

[DeLorean]

Expected Long to miss out

Just out of curiosity Dr. Darwin, do you expect him to miss Monday? :)

[Charlie Darwin]

Just out of curiosity Dr. Darwin, do you expect him to miss Monday? :)
Are you asking my opinion as a fan or as a scientist?

[DeLorean]

Whatever experiences you draw upon in forming your conclusions is good by me Charlie.

[DeLorean]

Btw, I hadn't seen this press conference with MON (http://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2015/1111/741088-oneill/) from last week. Lots of interesting stuff in it for anybody else that was in the dark.

[Charlie Darwin]

Whatever experiences you draw upon in forming your conclusions is good by me Charlie.
I think MON will risk him if he's allowed. Or, to put it in evolutionary terms, MON is red in tooth and claw.

[MeathDrog]

Wilson at left back then hopefully Brady gets to play further up the field.

[SwanVsDalton]

Team for me:

-----Randy--------

--Coleman---Keogh---Clark---Ward

----Whelan--McCarthy--

--Hendrick--Brady----McClean------

-----Murphy------

McClean was pretty poor against Polan, but I'm backing him to do better in this game that will probably require more perspiration than inspriation.

We lack pace and directness, a need McClean can fill. I reckon McClean's engine will help keep things tight and use any available counter-attacking space in the final third. I think Hendrick and Brady will keep things tight around him and there's some opportunity for switching around.

The other main alternative to McClean (assuming Hoolahan is saved for the home leg) is McGeady, but I just can't see it being a game for him. This is going to be a scrap, and I'd rather have one of our few Prem regulars digging in for the fight. Also don't see this as a game for Arter or Judge, although with so many players out there's no easy options for that final midfield spot.

Chose Ward over Wilson simply because he's a squarer peg.

Not a particularly ambitious selection, I grant you, but my ambitions extend only to getting back to Dublin with a decent chance.

[Charlie Darwin]

Team for me:

-----Randy--------

--Coleman---Keogh---Clark---Ward

----Whelan--McCarthy--

--Hendrick--Brady----McClean------

-----Murphy------

McClean was pretty poor against Polan, but I'm backing him to do better in this game that will probably require more perspiration than inspriation.

We lack pace and directness, a need McClean can fill. I reckon McClean's engine will help keep things tight and use any available counter-attacking space in the final third. I think Hendrick and Brady will keep things tight around him and there's some opportunity for switching around.

The other main alternative to McClean (assuming Hoolahan is saved for the home leg) is McGeady, but I just can't see it being a game for him. This is going to be a scrap, and I'd rather have one of our few Prem regulars digging in for the fight. Also don't see this as a game for Arter or Judge, although with so many players out there's no easy options for that final midfield spot.

Chose Ward over Wilson simply because he's a squarer peg.

Not a particularly ambitious selection, I grant you, but my ambitions extend only to getting back to Dublin with a decent chance.
I don't think he'll move away from the diamond unless he has to. McClean was poor against Poland but playing him infield like that was never going to go well.

[Crosby87]

Have the flying Bosnies any injuries?

[paul_oshea]

I've been thinking about this recently but Keane is far more suited to international management than club management.

[DeLorean]

Confirmation (http://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/qualifiers/season=2016/matches/round=2000447/match=2018078/prematch/background/index.html) of the yellow card situation. I hadn't mentioned Begovic and Whelan earlier in the thread. Wasn't Whelan suspended for Germany though? Is it only two yellow cards to get suspended once you received an earlier suspension maybe. Anyway...


Disciplinary

• Bosnia and Herzegovina's Muhamed Bešić completes a three-game suspension in the first leg; Asmir Begović, Edin Džeko, Anel Hadžić, Miralem Pjanić, Emir Spahić and Toni Šunjić are all within a yellow card of a ban.

• Ireland's John O'Shea and Jonathan Walters are banned for the first leg, the latter having collected three yellow cards during the qualfying group stage while O'Shea was sent off against Poland last time out. Seamus Coleman, Wes Hoolahan, James McCarthy, Glenn Whelan and Marc Wilson will all incur a suspension with their next bookings.

[DeLorean]

Have the flying Bosnies any injuries?

Interesting read, and it's answers your question too Crosby.

Mehmed Bazdarevic - the nearly man of international football (http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/international/bosnia-herzegovina-vs-republic-of-ireland-euro-2016-play-off-preview-mehmed-bazdarevic-the-nearly-a6729511.html)

[backstothewall]

I don't think he'll move away from the diamond unless he has to.

I agree he will be loath to move away from it, but I think he does have to. I don't see any other choice. Without Long & Walters we are realistically down to one fit striker. We will have to build a side around Murphy who can offer some threat, at least on the counter

With the players we have available I can see him going to a 4-3-3. Maybe something like

--------------- Randolph ---------------

---- Coleman Keogh Clark Brady ----

--------------- McCarthy --------------

----------- Meyler Hendrick ----------

-- Hoolahan ------------- McGeady --

---------------- Murphy ---------------

[DeLorean]

I'd be shocked if he didn't start Whelan in an away fixture where he wants to keep it tight, especially with Meyler being an injury doubt as well. Whelan picking up a booking and missing the home leg could be a blessing though, when we will probably need to play with more energy.

[OwlsFan]

Westwood, now at Sheffield Wednesday (http://www.sheffieldwednesday-mad.co.uk), had a pre-existing ankle injury flare up today in training at the FAI National Training Centre in Dublin and has been replaced by Charlton Athletic (http://www.charltonathletic-mad.co.uk) goalkeeper Stephen Henderson.

Hmmm. First I have heard of a "pre-existing ankle injury". Slightly worried that Westwood is fed up playing second fiddle to inferior keepers when he is in the form of his life (well, last season at least). The return of Given was a real slap in the face and the selection of Randolph ahead of him he wouldn't have enjoyed either. Will be interested to see does he tog out against Huddersfield next weekend.

The team (O'Neill's): Randolph, Coleman, Keogh, Clarke, Brady, McCarthy, Whelan, Hendrick, McGeady, Hoolahan, Murphy.

Would be worried about it defending at corners but hopefully Murphy will add something there

[DeLorean]

I don't think Randolph was selected ahead of him, Westwood was injured that time too. I'm not sure MON seems fully convinced by Westwood's attitude, going by the little piece in that press conference I linked.

[Kingdom]

Team for me:

-----Randy--------

--Coleman---Keogh---Clark---Ward

----Whelan--McCarthy--

--Hendrick--Brady----McClean------

-----Murphy------

McClean was pretty poor against Polan, but I'm backing him to do better in this game that will probably require more perspiration than inspriation.

We lack pace and directness, a need McClean can fill. I reckon McClean's engine will help keep things tight and use any available counter-attacking space in the final third. I think Hendrick and Brady will keep things tight around him and there's some opportunity for switching around.

The other main alternative to McClean (assuming Hoolahan is saved for the home leg) is McGeady, but I just can't see it being a game for him. This is going to be a scrap, and I'd rather have one of our few Prem regulars digging in for the fight. Also don't see this as a game for Arter or Judge, although with so many players out there's no easy options for that final midfield spot.

Chose Ward over Wilson simply because he's a squarer peg.

Not a particularly ambitious selection, I grant you, but my ambitions extend only to getting back to Dublin with a decent chance.

I don't think it's going to be a scrap at all - I think it'll be one of the most open games of football that we'll have been involved in for years.
I said when the draw was made, the best way to nullify Bosnia would be to attack them. Either a Bosnian journalist, or their manager said this week that they're weak at the back, and the only way they can play is full-on attack, hence why they leak goals. If we sit in for a draw like we usually do in Eastern Europe, we're inviting trouble.

[Olé Olé]

Does anyone fancy an appearance from Judge? He can play on the wing or in the hole and is making things happen regularly at Brentford. The midfield is pretty up in the air. I think Hendrick, McCarthy and Whelan are nailed on. After that, there's Brady, McClean, Gibson and Meyler in with a shout but only two of them are wide players (Brady and McClean) and neither Gibson or Meyler would be playing 10 behind Murphy, if we go with one striker. I think McGeady's lack of games have him out of the frame.

Hendrick could play 10 but that would mean we wouldn't have anyone to play on the right.

I think there's going to be a wildcard in that midfield. There has to be if we go with one up front because I don't fancy us to start Hoolahan at all.

[Fixer82]

I wouldn't imagine Westwood would want to pull out for a play-off seeing as how Randolph got on coming off the bench.
I would have Westwood as out number 1 personally.
I remember Dean Kiely getting mightily pi$$ed off, and probably rightly so, at how Trap treated him for a friendly but I think this is a bit different. I think he's just injured

[backstothewall]

Does anyone fancy an appearance from Judge? He can play on the wing or in the hole and is making things happen regularly at Brentford. The midfield is pretty up in the air. I think Hendrick, McCarthy and Whelan are nailed on. After that, there's Brady, McClean, Gibson and Meyler in with a shout but only two of them are wide players (Brady and McClean) and neither Gibson or Meyler would be playing 10 behind Murphy, if we go with one striker. I think McGeady's lack of games have him out of the frame.

Hendrick could play 10 but that would mean we wouldn't have anyone to play on the right.

I think there's going to be a wildcard in that midfield. There has to be if we go with one up front because I don't fancy us to start Hoolahan at all.

I was thinking the same when i put that team together. I went with McGeady as that wildcard as I feel O'Neill will feel he is the safer option for the away leg, but I would imagine he will revert to the diamond for Dublin, and I could easily see Judge or even Arter playing off Long & Walters. It won't be like O'Neill to go with Hoolahan away from home but with so many injuries for the first leg, and an extra man in midfield as a result of only having 1 up front, i think he will want him in the team.

There are a lot of possible ways we could play though, and we are very badly short of pace. I also considered a 4-1-4-1 with Christie at RB and Coleman RM.

On Whelan. I know most will be expecting him to play, but he came off very early against Poland, and the contrast with McCarthy in that role against Germany was stark. I'd say he must be behind Hendrick and McCarthy at this stage, if not others

[DeLorean]

Could this have been the final straw?....

e09m1quei6z

[Yard of Pace]

On Whelan. I know most will be expecting him to play, but he came off very early against Poland, and the contrast with McCarthy in that role against Germany was stark. I'd say he must be behind Hendrick and McCarthy at this stage, if not others

Oh please make that happen.

As Robbie's cousin once wrote: "I haven't had a dream in a long time, y'see the luck I've had can make a good man bad. So, for once in my life, let me get what I want, lord knows it would be the first time (in about 60 caps)"

[OwlsFan]

I don't think Randolph was selected ahead of him, Westwood was injured that time too. I'm not sure MON seems fully convinced by Westwood's attitude, going by the little piece in that press conference I linked.

Which came first? The attitude or Given being selected ahead of him? If I was Westwood, I'd be mighty peeved as well. Forde must have also wondered what happened when he lost his place to Given.

[OwlsFan]

Could this have been the final straw?....

e09m1quei6z

To title this "Glen Whelan's career highlights" is so wrong in many ways for someone who has given it all when he has played for us and has done a great job. A lot of this anti-Whelan stuff goes back to when Trap was playing him instead of some other players, including Gibson, and is just wrong and unfair.

[DeLorean]

Which came first? The attitude or Given being selected ahead of him? If I was Westwood, I'd be mighty peeved as well. Forde must have also wondered what happened when he lost his place to Given.

I don't even know if there is an attitude but yeah I could 100% understand his frustrations at Given starting ahead of him (or anybody else for that matter). MON made reference to him not wanting to play in the League Cup game against Arsenal, despite Sheffield Wednesday thinking he was okay. Just seemed a little strange.


To title this "Glen Whelan's career highlights" is so wrong in many ways for someone who has given it all when he has played for us and has done a great job. A lot of this anti-Whelan stuff goes back to when Trap was playing him instead of some other players, including Gibson, and is just wrong and unfair.

I wouldn't take it too seriously. I can't say I agree he's done a great job though but many agree with you.