Slovakia v Republic of Ireland - 8th October 2020 - Euro 2020 Playoff Semi Final

[ThirdManRun]

I like this, but I can't see it happening, and I can't see him not playing Coleman either(even if you switch coleman for someone else). That would provide a great attacking out let. The one thing we did well in the second half of the last game against Denmark was actually attack well though, so I reckon he will go with that again. The problem was we were very blunt and didnt create any real chances. 2 up front would change that.

I agree that it’s very unlikely to happen, but I think it would give us a great chance and it is probably our strongest 11 at the moment.

Coleman playing as a right sided CB in the early stages of Anchelloti taking over at Everton had great promise of offering McCarthy a reason to go with Coleman + Doherty in the same team, but that experiment dried up.

Very hard to imagine what McCarthy will go with but I expect something like :

Randolph
Coleman Duffy Egan Stevens
Whelan Hendrick Hourihane
Doherty McGoldrick McClean

[ifk101]

Very hard to imagine what McCarthy will go with ...

Ah it's not really :-)

Will be pretty similar to the starting line-up against Denmark (barring injuries) - Coleman for Doherty, possibly Robinson coming in for Browne/ Hourihane.

[Diggs246]

I have to say I dont get the love in for Hourihane, he is a Houdini for 60 mins every game [/COLOR]

[irishfan86]

I have to say I dont get the love in for Hourihane, he is a Houdini for 60 mins every game [/COLOR]

I agree that from open play Hourihane can be a passenger. But given we rely on set pieces so much, we need to have one of him or Brady on the field. I remember Whelan taking corners at one point when Hourihane came off, and all of a sudden we became less threatening.

The likes of Duffy and our other aerial threats are useless without elite service that only Hourihane and Brady can realistically provide from our squad. I believe Byrne is at their level but I don't think Mick will trust him

[Closed Account]

Doesn't matter who's taking the corners, Duffy can still get high....

[Razors left peg]

I have to say I dont get the love in for Hourihane, he is a Houdini for 60 mins every game [/COLOR]

100% agree, especially in a team along side Hendrick who also can do the same disappearing act. Hourihane can be a nice footballer but makes very little impact on a game

[Fixer82]

McClean possibly out of Slovakia game. Irish football fan tv just posted a pic of him in a leg brace.

If so, Stevens on the left and Doherty at LB?

Or just replace him with Brady or Robinson? Or Connolly?

[Olé Olé]

If he's only "possibly" out then I'd wager any amount he will play!

[irishfan86]

Doesn't matter who's taking the corners, Duffy can still get high....

We need accurate, driven balls into the area. Of our two set-piece specialists, Hourihane is the one actually playing these days at club level. I would find a way to accommodate Brady if we're not going to play Hourihane but really our other set piece takers just can't whip balls in with enough pace or accuracy to take full advantage of our aerial prowess.

[Fixer82]

https://www.offtheball.com/sport/james-mcclean-set-miss-slovakia-playoff-knee-ligament-injury-967256

Knee ligament injury. Never a quick turnaround

[elatedscum]

Doesn't matter who's taking the corners, Duffy can still get high....

Might balloon it over the bar though

[jbyrne]

https://www.offtheball.com/sport/james-mcclean-set-miss-slovakia-playoff-knee-ligament-injury-967256

Knee ligament injury. Never a quick turnaround

yes, ligaments are min 6 weeks no matter what you do. learnt that myself the hard way recently. pity, his form since mon took over at stoke has been good

[geysir]

Some grounds for optimism in that Mick will be at Palace on saturday to watch James play. I hope James doesn't feel the urge to mention offhandedly to Mick in the post match chat, that loyalty is an overstated quality.

[samhaydenjr]

Given their recent form, can we all agree that it's perfectly reasonable for Mick to include Long, McGoldrick, Robinson and Hogan in the squad for Slovakia? And then possibly add one from Connolly and Obafemi?

[irishfan86]

Given their recent form, can we all agree that it's perfectly reasonable for Mick to include Long, McGoldrick, Robinson and Hogan in the squad for Slovakia? And then possibly add one from Connolly and Obafemi?

No arguments here. Given Robinson can play as a winger (and we’re weak in wide positions, I’d have him considered for those roles and probably have one of Obafemi/Connolly among four strikers. Given Hogan’s form would be inclined to start him at tip of spear with McGoldrick in behind. Long off the bench if needed. Alternatively start Long to wear them down and bring Hogan on to poach against a tired defence. Both approaches have merit.

[musicinmouth]

Isn’t Connolly likely to start on the left if McClean can’t play?

[Diggs246]

If they play lads that havent played since October, you would give us a good chance
/www.balls.ie/football/slovakia-scouting-report-426937

[elatedscum]

I think I’d start Long and Robinson out wide and McGoldrick up to, which allows McGoldrick to drop deep as he likes to. Long has done a job out wide on a few occasions for us. He can dribble and he has pace, and if he’s cutting inside, it might leave space for Doherty.

Randolph

Doherty
Duffy
Egan/Clark (fitness issue?)
Stevens/Coleman (fitness issue?)

McCarthy
Hourihane
Hendrick (not really happy about this)

Long
McGoldrick
Robinson

[Fixer82]

I think I’d start Long and Robinson out wide and McGoldrick up to, which allows McGoldrick to drop deep as he likes to. Long has done a job out wide on a few occasions for us. He can dribble and he has pace, and if he’s cutting inside, it might leave space for Doherty.

Randolph

Doherty
Duffy
Egan/Clark (fitness issue?)
Stevens/Coleman (fitness issue?)

McCarthy
Hourihane
Hendrick (not really happy about this)

Long
McGoldrick
Robinson

Good team. I'd consider Browne ahead of Hourihane though I think. Brady could also slot in at LB if Stevens is out.

[DeLorean]

Hendrick gets more stick but I'd prefer to drop/not play Hourihane out of the two.

[jbyrne]

clark out for the rest of the season with ankle injury it appears

[elatedscum]

Good team. I'd consider Browne ahead of Hourihane though I think. Brady could also slot in at LB if Stevens is out.



Hendrick gets more stick but I'd prefer to drop/not play Hourihane out of the two.


I'd want to start one of Hourihane or Brady.


So many of our good chances come from set pieces, it makes a big difference having them there. Personally from a set piece perspective, Brady tends to be a little hit and miss but at least has the ability to hit them. Hourihane 8 times out of 10 will hit a very good set piece. Watching Whelan and McClean having to take all the corners against the Swiss wasn't great.


Thought Hourihane was pretty poor during the O'Neill era, but since McCarthy arrived, he's been nice and tidy, doesn’t give the ball away much, he’s busy. Not amazing but probably best of the midfield three. Hendrick has had about 2 decent games since the Euros which is not what you want. Haven’t really seen Browne perform in the Irish shirt in a way that would give me a huge amount of confidence. Overall, both Cullen and Byrne have done better, but you’d be asking a lot of either to put them straight in the first team for a make or break game.

[elatedscum]

Duffy and Connolly not in brighton’s squad. McCarthy taken off at half time.

Not sure if any are injury related. Not ideal either way.

Is Dara Lenihan the current 5th centre half? (Duffy, Egan, Clarke, Long)

[SkStu]

Commentators saying it was a foot injury that took McCarthy out but no idea on severity.

[Fixer82]

Long and Obafemi start together up front for Southampton

[jbyrne]

Long and Obafemi start together up front for Southampton

and obafemi has just scored.
jason knight with the 3rd derby goal v wednesday

[Olé Olé]

Scott Hogan again too. Christ.

[DeLorean]

Duffy and Connolly not in brighton’s squad. McCarthy taken off at half time.

Not sure if any are injury related. Not ideal either way.


Duffy had a family bereavement.

[elatedscum]

Think this would be my squad:

Randolph
O’Hara
O’Leary


Doherty
Coleman


Duffy
Egan
K Long
Lenihan


Stevens
Brady


McCarthy
Whelan
Hourihane
Browne
Hendrick
Byrne
Cullen


Robinson
McClean
O’Dowda


McGoldrick
S Long
Hogan
Maguire

If Coleman or Stevens don't make it, I'd call up Cyrus Christie. Probably no need to call anyone up to replace McCarthy if injured unless Harry Arter is making all the right noises. As for McClean, I think I'd probably call up Connolly, not a huge amount of other options really (Curtis, Horgan, Duffy, Hayes)

[Diggs246]

Any slovakian injuries do we know?

[DeLorean]

Coleman out for up to six weeks and James McCarthy can't do anything Glenn Whelan doesn't already do, according to Mick. The team is starting to pick itself.

[irishfan86]

Mick’s comments RE: James McCarthy seem aimed more at building confidence in the other midfield players, perhaps just playing the percentages that James will withdraw for one reason or another if selected.

But there’s no question in my mind he should be start for us in the holding role if he is available. I’m fine having Whelan in as a backup and he has played with real commitment and at times effectiveness for us — but this is no time to be sentimental.

James is far superior in that role when fit and willing, and he’s looked very good for Palace. May be moot if he feels international football not worth the risk.

[Diggs246]

Mick’s comments RE: James McCarthy seem aimed more at building confidence in the other midfield players, perhaps just playing the percentages that James will withdraw for one reason or another if selected.

But there’s no question in my mind he should be start for us in the holding role if he is available. I’m fine having Whelan in as a backup and he has played with real commitment and at times effectiveness for us — but this is no time to be sentimental.

James is far superior in that role when fit and willing, and he’s looked very good for Palace. May be moot if he feels international football not worth the risk.

James is a way better player, I would have Cullen ahead of Whelo too

[Diggs246]

Is it just me or is Mick McCarthy incredibly unfunny

www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2020/0303/1120026-ill-keep-washing-my-hands-and-singing-happy-birthday/ (http://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2020/0303/1120026-ill-keep-washing-my-hands-and-singing-happy-birthday/)

[seanfhear]

Is it just me or is Mick McCarthy incredibly unfunny

www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2020/0303/1120026-ill-keep-washing-my-hands-and-singing-happy-birthday/ (http://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2020/0303/1120026-ill-keep-washing-my-hands-and-singing-happy-birthday/)
Roy Keane never got Mick ! So Maybe you are right or is it just Roy !

[jbyrne]

Is it just me or is Mick McCarthy incredibly unfunny

www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2020/0303/1120026-ill-keep-washing-my-hands-and-singing-happy-birthday/ (http://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2020/0303/1120026-ill-keep-washing-my-hands-and-singing-happy-birthday/)

the happy birthday reference is to the 20 sec hand washing guideline which equates to singing happy birthday twice..

[Fixer82]

Is it just me or is Mick McCarthy incredibly unfunny

www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2020/0303/1120026-ill-keep-washing-my-hands-and-singing-happy-birthday/ (http://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2020/0303/1120026-ill-keep-washing-my-hands-and-singing-happy-birthday/)

Who gives a sh!t as long as we get the right results. MON was prone to some odd jokes as well. I imagine they all get a bit tired of dealing with media.

[backstothewall]

My squad

Randolph, Travers, O’Hara.
Doherty, Christie, O'Shea, Duffy, Egan, K Long, Lenihan, Stevens, Brady, Manning
Whelan, Hourihane, Browne, Hendrick, Byrne, Molumby, Arter, Knight
Robinson, O’Dowda, Obafemi, Curtis, Connolly, McGoldrick, S Long, Hogan

[geysir]

My squad

Randolph, Travers, O’Hara.
Doherty, Christie, O'Shea, Duffy, Egan, K Long, Lenihan, Stevens, Brady, Manning
Whelan, Hourihane, Browne, Hendrick, Byrne, Molumby, Arter, Knight
Robinson, O’Dowda, Obafemi, Curtis, Connolly, McGoldrick, S Long, Hogan

Is there a realistic chance that Arter will be called up?

[elatedscum]

Slim to none. Mick wasn’t happy with him or McCarthy not taking the call up when they were nursing niggles etc

[elatedscum]

https://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/sport/soccer/--986750.html

not sure i really believe Mick!

[Diggs246]

this would be terrible for any of us who paid to go ( i was meant to go myself bar a work commitment) but I cant help feel this could work out in our favor

www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2020/0309/1121172-slovakia-ready-to-play-ireland-game-behind-closed-doors

[D24Saint]

It’s hard to see it going ahead in any other circumstance.

[tetsujin1979]

FAI Statement: Slovakia v Republic of Ireland: https://www.fai.ie/ireland/news/fai-statement-slovakia-v-republic-of-ireland


The Football Association of Ireland is in communication with the Slovakian FA and local authorities regarding the UEFA EURO 2020 Play-Off in Bratislava scheduled for March 26th and is also engaged in talks around the fixture with UEFA and the Irish Embassy in Slovakia.

9th Mar 2020

As of today, Monday, the game is scheduled to go ahead as planned but talks will continue involving all parties. The Slovakian FA are in constant communication with their Government and health officials and will inform us immediately of any update.
The FAI will continue to heed the advice of the Irish Government and UEFA in relation to this game and will relay any news around the fixtures to supporters and staff as soon as it becomes available.

[Diggs246]

Its looks almost certain to be behind closed doors I guess the way things are going

www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2020/0309/1121172-slovakia-ready-to-play-ireland-game-behind-closed-doors

[backstothewall]

Confirmed behind closed doors

https://twitter.com/FAIreland/status/1237359371178344448

[paul_oshea]

yep slovaks decided without any intervention.

[Diggs246]

Mare for our fans who have booked etc, but defo an advanage for our chances

[paul_oshea]

I booked 4 flights as taking in a trip to Georgia too, so i had flights to kutaisi, vienna, bosnia, london and Dublin all booked. It wasn't cheap when all taken in and now all gone! I might still go to Georgia but then I'd have to get a 6th flight to get back to london.

Should help us but in a way i've a feeling we could play it like a friendly and be a bit lackadaisical.

[geysir]

Mare for our fans who have booked etc, but defo an advanage for our chances

They will miss some amount of impetus from having 20,000 roaring them on to get a winner/equaliser, whereas we'll have Mick.