League of Ireland in Europe 2019

[paul_oshea]

McEleney and hoare shouldn't start. Murray has been much more effective when hes come on for Hoare.

Agree with all you've said above, I think the Rovers game is the biggest disappointment cos they could have been out of sight from the first leg with that header to go 3-1 up. Plus they played better. Someone was saying they have 43 goals this season but in Europe they really did create limited chances, they were clinical to be fair what little they did create they scored from. Their set piece was very good but to win those kinda games you need a proper striker. Someone like twigg was or Mcmillan for Dundalk.

Anyway Good luck to DUndalk tonight, seeing how the other results have panned out they should really be looking to win this over the two legs. A score draw would be a great result tonight. I just hope their confidence hasnt been dented by Qarebag, because as pointed out they were in the tie for 165 minutes of a possible 180.

[Ezeikial]

I think that the team selection issues are pretty much the same as they were prior to the Qarabag match even if the tactics and approach that VP wants to adopt are different

The fitness levels of Sean Murray is likely to determine a lot of the issues. If he is fit enough to start the questions are

Central Defence - Two from Hoare, Boyle and Cleary. That's a tough call although Andy Boyle is a probable starter

Left Back - Massey or Jarvis. Either player could get the nod. He may opt for Dane Massey to keep Dean Jarvis fresh as midfield cover

Midfield
- if Sean Murray is not fit enough, McEleney and McGrath could occupy the 8 & 10 positions

- If Sean Murray is fit enough to start, McGrath, McEleney and Mountney will complete for the No10 and right wing position with only Jamie McGrath sure of his place. Is the John Mountney press conference appearance a VP bluff and will he go with McGrath and McEleney?


Predicted Line up
Rogers
Gannon | Hoare | Boyle | Massey
Shields | Murray
Mountney | McGrath | Duffy
Hoban


Likely planned substitutions - McEleney, D Kelly, Jarvis

[RathfarnhamHoop]

Whatever Dundalk do they shouldn't play a defender in midfield, changes the whole mentality of the team negatively. Dundalk play as well as we know they can they should really fancy their chances of a result today

[oriel]

Rogers
Gannon | Hoare | Boyle | Massey
Shields | Murray
Mountney | McGrath | Duffy
Hoban


This has a nice balance to it, but it has McEleney dropped, he was very disappointing v Qarabag away, as was Duffy actually, but thats one area we do not have a second choice for, left wing.

VP might be tempted to stick with McEleney though for his experience, but he will have to do a lot better, if he does the line up might be like this.


Rogers
Gannon | Hoare | Boyle | Massey
Shields | Murray
McGrath | McEleney | Duffy
Hoban

I'd be having young Daniel Kelly on early in the second half to get at them, crosses into the box were in short supply in obth away games to date, and Kely made a big diff when he came on in Riga.

Murray needs a massive game tonight in the middle, Benson looked rusty away to Riga, gave the ball away twice in the opening minutes, he's meant to be available for the return leg, but not sure he will be a starter, Murray can keep him out with a big display.

Still think we need to score tonight to have a chance.

These suggested formations are tough on Cleary who had a fine game against Qarbag away, so I won't be surprised if he is retained at the expense of Hoare, I'd probably go with Hoare though, its a tough choice to make for VP.

[BonnieShels]

I found myelf at a Slovan game back in October in the old stadium. My God that was an experience. Great city though.

Can see Dundalk getting through this. HON the TOWN!

[Ezeikial]

I think the Rovers game is the biggest disappointment cos they could have been out of sight from the first leg with that header to go 3-1 up. Plus they played better. Someone was saying they have 43 goals this season

Shamrock Rovers do have 43 league goals this season

While their goal difference is decent, they are lagging in 3rd place in the goal scoring list currently.

[paul_oshea]

Whatever Dundalk do they shouldn't play a defender in midfield, changes the whole mentality of the team negatively. Dundalk play as well as we know they can they should really fancy their chances of a result today

Funny i was going to reply to this earlier saying theyve only played 45 mins of good football, so thats the big if. Or if not good to what looked like their ability. I've just read this now - https://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/league-of-ireland/dundalks-identity-crisis-would-be-solved-by-away-goal-in-europe-perth-38381651.html

[paul_oshea]

How does Pat fenlon think these lads are not as good as Riga

[osarusan]

Any stream other than skorlive?

[paul_oshea]

Eir sport 1 check. The commentary is behind. its really anonying

[paul_oshea]

Lucky not to concede a pen there.

[SPXcyan]

The home fans are becoming restless, Dundalk just about holding strong.

[passinginterest]

That’s been coming in all fairness. Dundalk decent in patches, but not great overall. Probably should have conceded at least one pen for the handballs.

[ger121]

**** sake!

[blueblood]

Dundalk letting them have the ball too much not good enough just trying to close them down 30 yards from goal

[paul_oshea]

I'm not sure Dundalk do have that extra level over these 3 games now they've rarely done anything apart from stellar defending down the other end. Unfortunately I think that's it now too difficult overturn this at home.

[passinginterest]

Good response from Dundalk. Incredible save by the Bratislava keeper to prevent the away goal.

[paul_oshea]

Dundalk letting them have the ball too much not good enough just trying to close them down 30 yards from goal

Exactly under kenny they would have played some ball. They seem happy to sit back and try and soak it all up and they're not good enough defensively

[DFCForever]

I think that's harsh on us, but I see no reason why we can't turn it around next week.

[osarusan]

Thought they would hold on, Slovan actually created very little for all the possession Dundalk were happy to let them have.

Still alive, and enough in the last 5 minutes to suggest Dundalk can create chances if they attack a bit more.

[Real ale Madrid]

Would be surprised if they can turn it around but Slovan are not great. Still in it. Disappointing performance from Dundalk.

[ger121]

Glorious chance right at the end with the keeper tipping it onto the bar. Still in it but they really need to bring their scoring boots to Tallaght.

[pineapple stu]

So we can conclude Dundalk are as good as UCD :)

Only caught bits of it but Slovan looked the better team. Got a lot of joy down the right hand side and had a definite penalty waved away. Tough ask for Dundalk in the second leg now; they really can't afford to concede

[mcgonigle]

I think that's harsh on us, but I see no reason why we can't turn it around next week.

Don't see us keeping a clean sheet next week. Needed the away goal but didn't seem to have the legs to push for it. Very frustrating to watch, decision making and sloppiness at times was criminal. They're poor and we've let an opportunity slip

[placid casual]

Cant say dundalk have been all that impressive in any European game this season. One goal scored if i'm not mistaken.
They're not a patch on Kenny's Europa League team imo.

On a positive there's only 1 goal to make up so you never know.

[blueblood]

Exactly under kenny they would have played some ball. They seem happy to sit back and try and soak it all up and they're not good enough defensively
Ya a completely different team football wise to Kennys team, they can't expect to win games without trying to play

[joey B]

Is Next week's game likely to sell out? My Slovak mate wants to go and im getting dragged along because he doesn't know any other LOI fans!

[DFCForever]

Is Next week's game likely to sell out? My Slovak mmwantsate wants to go and im getting dragged along because he doesn't know any other LOI fans!
I doubt it will

[joey B]

Can you buy on the gate or online?

[marinobohs]

Disappointing not to hang on to 0-0 but can't argue with the result. Still in it but need to be patient next week, concede an "away goal" and the tie is over.
Keep it tight and take advantage of the odd chance they will get. Not easy but still a great chance to progress.

[sbgawa]

Dundalk should let anyone with a league of Ireland season ticket in for free.

[Nesta99]

If you have the option to buy online then go for it and not risk the there not being tickets on sales at the gates?

[Nesta99]

Cant say dundalk have been all that impressive in any European game this season. One goal scored if i'm not mistaken.
They're not a patch on Kenny's Europa League team imo.

On a positive there's only 1 goal to make up so you never know.

Ye just get the feeling that a Rovers fan on here is really revelling in Dundalk's below par performaces in Europe!!

[sbgawa]

Taking zero pleasure here but there is no denying dfc have been underwhelming so far.
Kind of boils down to the next match.
If they do the business and go through all will be forgiven and it will be a successful run that probably ends by losing to Paok a team that represent a free shot at glory but a tough nut.
Another below par performance and the verdict will be very different.
Football is a crazy business 90 minutes will probably decide if vinny gets a shot at next year.

[Ezeikial]

Can you buy on the gate or online?


If you have the option to buy online then go for it and not risk the there not being tickets on sales at the gates?

Sure it's well known that the SDCC stadium people can't cope with late comers buying at the gate - buy in advance!

[CorribsideSteve]

That was deflating. After a fairly even 1st half, Dundalk decided to sit deep, absorb and hold out for a 0-0, and like watching Ireland when they've done it in the past, you know the inevitable killer conceded goal will arrive. McGrath missed a big chance, completely snatched at it. Unlucky at the end, but that spell of football they played after conceding was the best I've seen them this year so far. They were really hanging on by the time that goal arrived. It's all guns blazing next week or nothing, but they have rarely shown any glimpses of being able to be a Kenny style attacking team so far.

[Ezeikial]

Football is a crazy business 90 minutes will probably decide if vinny gets a shot at next year.

I doubt it.

Winning the league along with the current €1.2m euro prize money is probably enough to keep the decision makers happy for this season and maybe give them a lift to increase the playing budget for 2020.

Anything more (Euro play-off, League & cup double, or a domestic treble) might just give them even more encouragement

[bennocelt]

I doubt it.

Winning the league along with the current €1.2m euro prize money is probably enough to keep the decision makers happy for this season and maybe give them a lift to increase the playing budget for 2020.

Anything more (Euro play-off, League & cup double, or a domestic treble) might just give them even more encouragement

Exactly, they got the money in the bank. Anything else is a bonus.
No real investment in the team, shouldn't expect too much.

[sbgawa]

Long term contracts on Bigish money (by loi standards) , I wish vinny the best as a Tallaght lad but lose next week and I'll be shocked if he is still there next Feb.
Hopefully dfc play like they can and make it a harder call

[Ezeikial]

Dundalk V Slovan Bratislava on Tuesday 13 August at Tallaght Stadium. On-Line ticket sales

https://embed.futureticketing.ie/c/dundalk-fc/

[Ezeikial]

I wish vinny the best as a Tallaght lad but lose next week and I'll be shocked if he is still there next Feb.


Be prepared to be "shocked"

Maybe things could change if a manager with over a 40% european win rate came available
(https://foot.ie/threads/243195-League-of-Ireland-in-Europe-2019/page54?p=2010240#post2010240)

[Ezeikial]

Dundalk V Slovan Bratislava on Tuesday 13 August at Tallaght Stadium. On-Line ticket sales

https://embed.futureticketing.ie/c/dundalk-fc/

TICKET SALES – KEY POINTS
* ALL tickets for this game will be sold ONLINE ONLY. To purchase, please visit our online ticket page (https://embed.futureticketing.ie/c/dundalk-fc/).
* Tickets will be priced as follows: €15 adult, €10 concession and €5 juvenile (under-12s).
* Tickets will be sold by block number (stadium map below).
* Tickets will be available to buy in the West Stand (Blocks A-E, G-J) and the East Stand (Blocks M-Q).
* Away supporters will be situated in Block K of the East Stand.
* We request that supporters wishing to sit in the ‘singing section’ purchase tickets for Blocks A, B or C of the West Stand (same area as our 2016 Europa League campaign).


https://www.dundalkfc.com/europa-league-tickets-slovan-bratislava-home/
https://www.dundalkfc.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/tallaght-blocks-for-sale-545x370.jpg

[EatYerGreens]

Dundalk should let anyone with a league of Ireland season ticket in for free.

WTF ? :rolleyes:

[sbgawa]

Fill the place with loi fans.
Lower gate receipts (the approx 1500) dfc season ticket holders who would go anyway but 30k gamble against progressing...
Won't happen obviously but it's not that controversial surely.

[Ezeikial]

Creating a raucous, passionate atmosphere by giving free tickets to those who wouldn't otherwise attend? What next, South Stand reserved for Rovers pitch invaders?

[PartySaint]

Long term contracts on Bigish money (by loi standards) , I wish vinny the best as a Tallaght lad but lose next week and I'll be shocked if he is still there next Feb.
Hopefully dfc play like they can and make it a harder call

I assume this was a wind up attempt?

The chap is probably going to win a treble in his first season in management and got through a round in the CL only to lose to a side way above LOI standards.

I thought (was hoping) replacing Kenny with Perth was going to be a disaster for Dundalk but it hasn't made a difference at all.

[marinobohs]

I assume this was a wind up attempt?

The chap is probably going to win a treble in his first season in management and got through a round in the CL only to lose to a side way above LOI standards.

I thought (was hoping) replacing Kenny with Perth was going to be a disaster for Dundalk but it hasn't made a difference at all.

I guess Perth just didn't have a 'project' :rolleyes: irrespective of next weeks result, Dundalk nailed on to win the League and short odds for a domestic treble. where, oh where, did it all go wrong Vinnie :cool:

[nigel-harps1954]

I think Dundalk really let themselves down last night. Genuine chance to go out there and put a few goals past a very average Slovan side, and they didn't take it. Negative approach cost them in the end.

That being said, there were two big saves from Slovan goalkeeper, but they were the only proper tests he got all night. There wasn't the same intensity about Dundalk that you'd expect from them, they sat back and allowed Slovan time on the ball, and made negative subs when they needed to push for a goal, leaving the likes of Georgie Kelly sat on the bench in favour of bringing on a defender for Hoban in the dying minutes.

Obviously there's no point comparing to Kennys Dundalk side in one way, but it's effectively the same coaching staff there, and you'd expect them to have a similar approach to games as Kenny had. Was very disappointing.

[CityBoy]

1 goal in their last 7 European games now for Dundalk. Funny how that's not been mentioned much by journalists. When Cork City failed to score in 6 it was mentioned constantly.

[Straightstory]

One goal in five games (in Europe) says it all. Reckon their best chance is 1-0 next week and take it to penalties. If Slovan get one, Dundalk will need three; they're not capable of that. Very disappointing that they haven't built on their performances and experiences they had in 2016.