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

[Olé Olé]

Randolph
Coleman - Egan - Duffy - Stephens
Arter - McCarthy- Hourihane
Robinson - McGoldrick - Connolly

Thats probably what I would go with. Im not a huge fan of McGoldrick but he'll play. Think that team would be solid and would create chances

Same for me but Hendrick in for Arter on my end.

A really important thing to note about the team I'd go with is that all bar Randolph have very solid appearance records for their clubs thus far this season. I think the outfield players may well have started all their clubs' league games, with the odd exception.

[Razors left peg]

Same for me but Hendrick in for Arter on my end.

A really important thing to note about the team I'd go with is that all bar Randolph have very solid appearance records for their clubs thus far this season. I think the outfield players may well have started all their clubs' league games, with the odd exception.

I think it was on the Hourihane Thread I was saying that I dont think Hendrick and Hourihane can play in same team, they both go missing too much so Id pick Arter to be a bit more of a presence in there. So its one or the other for me in a 3 man midfield.

I do think you could play Hendrick on the right of a front 3, hes a good footballer but doesnt run games.

[DeLorean]

Hendrick/Arter might be another that's not 100% set in stone.

I think that might be a call between Arter/Hourihane actually, with Arter getting the nod. Hard to know exactly what SK is thinking this early in his tenure but I've a feeling Hendrick is safe for now.

[Eirambler]

The reason I don't think it's Arter/Hourihane is if you choose Arter from those two that presumably means you're also leaving out Brady and you are then without a set piece specialist. I think one of Brady or Hourihane always needs to start for now, so if Brady's out for Slovakia that makes Hourihane a guaranteed starter.

[Razors left peg]

The reason I don't think it's Arter/Hourihane is if you choose Arter from those two that presumably means you're also leaving out Brady and you are then without a set piece specialist. I think one of Brady or Hourihane always needs to start for now, so if Brady's out for Slovakia that makes Hourihane a guaranteed starter.

Thats way too much good logic for the internet!

[Olé Olé]

The reason I don't think it's Arter/Hourihane is if you choose Arter from those two that presumably means you're also leaving out Brady and you are then without a set piece specialist. I think one of Brady or Hourihane always needs to start for now, so if Brady's out for Slovakia that makes Hourihane a guaranteed starter.
This is my thinking too. I think McCarthy and Hendrick are sure to start. And then I think he has to start a dead ball specialist.

Brady didn't look to understand his role against Finland or else he was sticking too rigidly to an instruction from Kenny. Or else he was just not fit. He seemed to be playing a bit too wide on the left for the left of a midfield three. And he didn't have the energy to move horizontally not to mind vertically. He had more joy against Bulgaria when he came on because it was late in the game and Bulgaria weren't as tactically disciplined. He wasn't finding the pockets of space against Finland that he did against Bulgaria.

Another point on the squad, we have always had enough defenders but it is some going to have three centre halves starting in the PL that are not in there- Dunne, Long and O'Shea.

[paul_oshea]

3 thing i noticed from the Q & As with Kenny yesterday:

1. Strained body language
2. He mentions about players not having gametime for the previous games - yet he's selected Cod and Brady. Whats the point in selecting players if you aren't going to start them.
3. Sounds like Coleman is still getting complimented because he's second choice. If its form Coleman has to play.

[Stuttgart88]

2. He mentions about players not having gametime for the previous games - yet he's selected Cod and Brady. Whats the point in selecting players if you aren't going to start them.That's a strange one. Only 11 start, 11 or 12 of the squad don't!

I'd be v disappointed if Coleman isn't picked.

[DeLorean]

He mentions about players not having gametime for the previous games - yet he's selected Cod and Brady. Whats the point in selecting players if you aren't going to start them.

Who says he's not going to start them? He only made the point that we're in a better position now because 'most players' have played a few games, unless I missed something. Seems like O'Dowda will be available with Brady closer to 50/50.

It was a pretty tedious press conference, the Jack Byrne stuff and in particular the same Doherty/Coleman question being asked several different ways. I can see why his body language would be a bit strained, though he never looks the most comfortable in front of a camera anyway. Who was asking those early questions? He asked about Troy Parrott too, clearly not knowing he's going to be out for several weeks. Sounded like Ken Early but maybe not.

The most intelligent questions came from the guy around the twenty minute mark.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uwJGxf8fv1k&feature=youtu.be

[geysir]

Brady cracked a rib on the 21st sept, that pretty much rules him out doesn't it? Anyone here ever cracked a rib?

[Diggs246]

3 thing i noticed from the Q & As with Kenny yesterday:

1. Strained body language
2. He mentions about players not having gametime for the previous games - yet he's selected Cod and Brady. Whats the point in selecting players if you aren't going to start them.
3. Sounds like Coleman is still getting complimented because he's second choice. If its form Coleman has to play.

I had previously complemented him on not bitching about short time frames etc
but he unfortunately he did have a little complaint yesterday about it
He just comes across under confident

[Stuttgart88]

Brady cracked a rib on the 21st sept, that pretty much rules him out doesn't it? Anyone here ever cracked a rib?Yeah, after reading one of Paul's posts.

[passinginterest]

Randolph





Egan

Duffy



Doherty



Stevens




McCarthy





Arter








Hendrick



Robinson








McGoldrick








Connolly



Wouldn't be disappointed to see something like this. I'd probably have Doherty over Coleman. Could alternatively have doherty for Robinson and Coleman in as a full back with the shape shifting closer to a 4-4-2. It would be pretty lopsided though.

[geysir]

Yeah, after reading one of Paul's posts.
Yeah, now that you mention it, I think Paul predicted that would happen to Robbie one day.

[The Lilywhites]

Who do you think is better?

Certainly in European competition, Byrne has been head and shoulders above the rest, as evidenced by the number of goals that he creates (all bar one last year for example). He took that form into his Ireland debut, where he also set up a goal. That's exactly the kind of player Ireland are crying out for, so I'd have him in the squad over Gary, Dylan, Finny and Farrugia for example, much and all as I'd love to see any of those four get a call-up.

McEneff. I was talking more about quality of player and influence on the Rovers team, rather than arguing for someone else from Rovers to be called up.

I wouldn't have any LOI player in the Irish squad at the minute, although if Michael Duffy was to rediscover his form (which he is showing signs of since Filippo came in) he may come into the argument down the line.

Certainly if you were offering me a Shamrock Rovers player at Dundalk at the minute, I'd take McEneff all day long. I'm still annoyed we missed out on him. His injury last season hurt their title hopes and from what I can remember I think it was him coming on as a sub that lifted them against Brann in Europe.

I just think Kenny bowed to pressure with Byrne. He knew full well what he's capable of before the first squad, so I doubt he's going to throw him in even as a sub v Slovakia. Probably gets a run v Finland.


I had previously complemented him on not bitching about short time frames etc
but he unfortunately he did have a little complaint yesterday about it
He just comes across under confident

I never thought the international job would suit Kenny because of the short time frames. He's the kind of manager that needs a lot of contact hours with players to get his message across and mould them the way he wants. That's a big worry for him I think.

Also on another point, I saw a couple of posts here criticising O'Dowda. I think that's a bit harsh. I thought he was one of the bright spots in the two games and I think he's one you can mark down that Kenny will get the best out of.

[Fixer82]

Brady cracked a rib on the 21st sept, that pretty much rules him out doesn't it? Anyone here ever cracked a rib?

Yes i've cracked a rib. I'd be amazed if Brady is fully fit for the game. He'd have to have it strapped and tight but that doesn't do a whole lot. Time is the key

[pineapple stu]

McEneff. I was talking more about quality of player and influence on the Rovers team, rather than arguing for someone else from Rovers to be called up.
Still no. Byrne is central to pretty much everything Rovers do. And has the ability to step up, as seen from his performances in Europe in particular, and also from the game last year against Bulgaria, where he definitely offered something different.

I don't think you'll find many backing you on McEneff over Byrne to be honest.

[Diggs246]

Has there even been a rumour of a club buying Jack Byrne during this window ( which closes on Monday)

Even Preston haven't looked at him!

[seanfhear]

Brady cracked a rib on the 21st sept, that pretty much rules him out doesn't it? Anyone here ever cracked a rib?
Usually when I am eating them ! !

Supposed to be very painful but I suppose its depends on how severe it is !

[seanfhear]

I had previously complemented him on not bitching about short time frames etc
but he unfortunately he did have a little complaint yesterday about it
He just comes across under confidentIf he wins a few games we will all be saying thats his confident face ! !

[Diggs246]

If he gets us to the euros. He can burst into tears in every press conference if he so wishes!

[seanfhear]

If he gets us to the euros. He can burst into tears in every press conference if he so wishes!
The Angela’s Ashes fans would love that ! ! They really really enjoy a bit of the auld suffering !

[Bielsa´s irish]

i can see this guy is trying to copy the book "Martin O'Neill and how to be relevant in a presser so passionately". I miss the angry nordie as you call it, so clever and witty in a sense, i remember once he said something about the good looking women. God, i miss MON

[elatedscum]

Brady cracked a rib on the 21st sept, that pretty much rules him out doesn't it? Anyone here ever cracked a rib?

Broke ribs twice, both times playing football, once at about 10, the other at 16. Agony to laugh, cough or sneeze, breathing itself is painful and constant. Sleeping is also a disaster. Really depends the severity. Think I was back training the first time within 10 days or two weeks but maybe young bones heal quicker.

The one at 16, I remember it being painful returning to training and matches for a month, just breathing was a high level of discomfort but being able to get through it.

I’d think if it’s not a bad one, with decent painkillers, he could get through half an hour or so...

[The Lilywhites]

Still no. Byrne is central to pretty much everything Rovers do. And has the ability to step up, as seen from his performances in Europe in particular, and also from the game last year against Bulgaria, where he definitely offered something different.

I don't think you'll find many backing you on McEneff over Byrne to be honest.

I don't expect many would agree with me, no.

The Byrne hype train is so far down the tracks that there's no stopping it at this stage. Even when he is anonymous in a game, he played well.

I don't think he'll go back abroad. Homesickness has always been offered as an excuse as to why he didn't perform, but I think he's just found his level now.

He enjoys being loved by Rovers fans (and some biased / attention seeking media heads) and a big fish in a small pond, so to speak, and good luck to him with that. He's clearly a good LOI player.

I'm not convinced he's much above this level but we'll have to listen to the hype now regardless, so Kenny will have no choice but to give him a chance, probably v Finland.

As for playing well against Bulgaria, they're such a poor side. Is it 1 win in 16 games or something.

And I know we scraped a draw over there under Kenny, but just saying that setting up a goal against Bulgaria at home is hardly a valid basis for arguing for his chance in a game such as Slovakia.

[pineapple stu]

I don't think you help yourself with your hyperbole at times to be honest. "The Byrne hype train"? "Big fish in a small pond"? I don't think you've shown anything to back up those assertions.

He's a guy who was directly involved in all bar one of Rovers' 7 European goals last year for example. That's (a) quite effective as a midfielder and (b) not an indication that he'll walk into the Irish team and start to dominate midfield. Though no-one's saying the latter.

I think he's well worth having in the squad, even if it's just maybe adding something extra to training or being an impact sub off the bench. I'm not sure McEneff has done enough to stand out in the same way to be honest.

[passinginterest]

I don't expect many would agree with me, no.

The Byrne hype train is so far down the tracks that there's no stopping it at this stage. Even when he is anonymous in a game, he played well.

I don't think he'll go back abroad. Homesickness has always been offered as an excuse as to why he didn't perform, but I think he's just found his level now.

He enjoys being loved by Rovers fans (and some biased / attention seeking media heads) and a big fish in a small pond, so to speak, and good luck to him with that. He's clearly a good LOI player.

I'm not convinced he's much above this level but we'll have to listen to the hype now regardless, so Kenny will have no choice but to give him a chance, probably v Finland.

As for playing well against Bulgaria, they're such a poor side. Is it 1 win in 16 games or something.

And I know we scraped a draw over there under Kenny, but just saying that setting up a goal against Bulgaria at home is hardly a valid basis for arguing for his chance in a game such as Slovakia.

I've seen a lot of Byrne, both in person and on tv. I think when his fitness is down he can be a bit anonymous, but he's levels above anyone I've seen in LOI. Wes Holohan is the only one that compares that I can remember thinkin he just sees the game a bit different and picks passes that no one else at that level sees. I think the fact that he wasn't 100% fit and Rovers had an important run of games was the main reason he missed out on the first squad.

I'd agree with you on the importance of McEneff to an extent, Rovers are a much lesser side without him and he does a lot of the work that gets Byrne into good positions, but he's still a couple of levels below him.

[Charlie Darwin]

Brady cracked a rib on the 21st sept, that pretty much rules him out doesn't it? Anyone here ever cracked a rib?
Yes, I haven't played professional football since.

[Diggs246]

Does anyone fancy us to win in normal time? Not one of my mates thinks we can do it in 90 mins. Curious to see what people think

[Olé Olé]

On the assumption Coleman won't be fit for Thursday, I can envisage the below starting line up and I would be happy enough with it too:

Randolph; Doherty, Egan, Duffy, Stevens; McCarthy, Hourihane, Hendrick; Robinson, McGoldrick, Connolly.

A fit Coleman, Arter, O'Dowda, McClean and Idah could all break in to start. I don't know if we can or if Kenny will start three forwards in the front three. The conservative options might be to select McClean or even O'Dowda on one of the flanks.

[Trequartista20]

That'd be a very decent team and the one I'd like to think Kenny will go with. Most have had a good start to the season. Robinson and, especially McGoldrick, will improve us greatly.

[youngirish]

Does anyone fancy us to win in normal time? Not one of my mates thinks we can do it in 90 mins. Curious to see what people think

Cast your minds back to Stan's Ireland in 2007. Everyone had realised he was a terrible appointment after a number of risible results, including the 5-2 defeat away to Cyprus. However we had a team of players performing well for decent teams in the Premiership including Keane, Finnan, Duff, Reid, Ireland and Doyle and fully expected to beat a very decent Slovakian team (they got to the last 16 of the following World Cup) away in Bratislava. The 2-2 draw was seen as a disappointment and another nail in Stan's coffin.

The fact I would chew your arm off on Thursday for the same result in normal time, against a far inferior Slovakian team, shows how far we've regressed under the subsequent regimes.

[Diggs246]

Their goalkeeper situation is actually giving me more confidence. If we can survive today's fixture ls without an other injury, who knows

[John83]

The fact I would chew your arm off on Thursday for the same result in normal time, against a far inferior Slovakian team, shows how far we've regressed under the subsequent regimes.
That kind of pins the blame on the regimes, by which I understand you mean management. It's not their fault we don't have players of that calibre at the moment. Some of this is cyclical, and some of it is down to changes in youth structures in England. I feel like the FAI's been left behind a bit on that front, that England has improved a bit, and that consequently our players are down the pecking order a bit in the UK where things are more competitive than ever because of the money there.

[youngirish]

That kind of pins the blame on the regimes, by which I understand you mean management. It's not their fault we don't have players of that calibre at the moment. Some of this is cyclical, and some of it is down to changes in youth structures in England. I feel like the FAI's been left behind a bit on that front, that England has improved a bit, and that consequently our players are down the pecking order a bit in the UK where things are more competitive than ever because of the money there.
I can see why it would look like that but I'm simply stating we've become worse under each subsequent regime. The reasons are many but I would agree its mainly down to the lack of any quality players coming through.

IMO of the current squad we have only 2 players of any real quality, Coleman and Doherty, and both of them play in the same position.

[Diggs246]

[QUOTE=Olé Olé;2051592]On the assumption Coleman won't be fit for Thursday, I can envisage the below starting line up and I would be happy enough with it too:

Randolph; Doherty, Egan, Duffy, Stevens; McCarthy, Hourihane, Hendrick; Robinson, McGoldrick, Connolly.

A fit Coleman, Arter, O'Dowda, McClean and Idah could all break in to start. I don't know if we can or if Kenny will start three forwards in the front three. The conservative options might be to select McClean or even O'Dowda on one of the flanks.[/QUOTE

All Premier league players in that starting 11
I would say it's been awhile since we have that

[gally]

[QUOTE=Olé Olé;2051592]On the assumption Coleman won't be fit for Thursday, I can envisage the below starting line up and I would be happy enough with it too:

Randolph; Doherty, Egan, Duffy, Stevens; McCarthy, Hourihane, Hendrick; Robinson, McGoldrick, Connolly.

A fit Coleman, Arter, O'Dowda, McClean and Idah could all break in to start. I don't know if we can or if Kenny will start three forwards in the front three. The conservative options might be to select McClean or even O'Dowda on one of the flanks.[/QUOTE

All Premier league players in that starting 11
I would say it's been awhile since we have that

Apart from Duffy obviously.

[Diggs246]

[QUOTE=Diggs246;2051608]

Apart from Duffy obviously.

Well he is still a Brighton player, but I take your point

[tetsujin1979]

On the assumption Coleman won't be fit for Thursday, I can envisage the below starting line up and I would be happy enough with it too:

Randolph; Doherty, Egan, Duffy, Stevens; McCarthy, Hourihane, Hendrick; Robinson, McGoldrick, Connolly.

A fit Coleman, Arter, O'Dowda, McClean and Idah could all break in to start. I don't know if we can or if Kenny will start three forwards in the front three. The conservative options might be to select McClean or even O'Dowda on one of the flanks.[/QUOTE

All Premier league players in that starting 11
I would say it's been awhile since we have that

Would you believe it was the away loss to Germany under Staunton?

[Olé Olé]

https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/soccer/stephen-kenny-rules-out-seamus-coleman-for-slovakia-play-off-1.4371674

Coleman's injury will "almost likely rule him out."

Disappointing and I would have started him myself. But not the end of the world if Doherty can build again today for Spurs and come through unscathed. He'll likely be marking Rashford so a big name needed.

[Diggs246]

Mcgoldrick has just scored v arsenal

[Bielsa´s irish]

Yeap i read Coleman out Lenihan, Arter maybe out.

Kenny brought back Kev Long.

I said 2 or 3 more guys in line what could be a sensational return of Greg Cunningham after enduring his injury, played a great game vs Blackburn yesterda. Jimmy Dunne, Dara O'Shea and Cyrus Christie but dont reject Lee O'Connor or Tommie Hoban

[Olé Olé]

https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/soccer/stephen-kenny-rules-out-seamus-coleman-for-slovakia-play-off-1.4371674

Coleman's injury will "almost likely rule him out."

Disappointing and I would have started him myself. But not the end of the world if Doherty can build again today for Spurs and come through unscathed. He'll likely be marking Rashford so a big name needed.

Doherty not starting against United. Aurier is right back and Doherty on the bench.

[Diggs246]

At least he cant get injured ( glass half full)

[Trequartista20]

At least he cant get injured ( glass half full)

Exactly my thoughts. We need Doherty fit and available, especially now Coleman's been ruled out.

[pineapple stu]

Doherty an unused sub today. Was that tactical? After a 6-1 win in Old Trafford, could he struggle to get back in?

Last thing we need is Coleman injured and Doherty not getting game time

[Olé Olé]

Doherty an unused sub today. Was that tactical? After a 6-1 win in Old Trafford, could he struggle to get back in?

Last thing we need is Coleman injured and Doherty not getting game time

I wouldn't think there is need to panic. Spurs have been consistently rotating their full backs. They have played 4 games in the last week- Doherty started in the league against Newcastle and the Europa League against Maccabi. Aurier started in the EFL cup and today.

Aurier took a goal well and look good today but with the Martial sending off, Rashford had to move centrally. Pogba was on the left and largely poor, as well as in no man's land for Aurier's goal. Davies and Reguilon have been swapped on the far side too.

He'll get plenty games.

[Bielsa´s irish]

Cyrus called up, Coleman wont travel. confirmed. Maybe Greg Cunningham and Knight.

[John83]

Doherty an unused sub today. Was that tactical? After a 6-1 win in Old Trafford, could he struggle to get back in?

Last thing we need is Coleman injured and Doherty not getting game time
As Ole Ole says, they've played 4 games in 8 days. Rotation is inevitable. Of course, anyone who played in that win presumably has had a bit of a boost in Mourinho's eyes.

[pineapple stu]

I should point out part of my frustration was that he was in my Fantasy Football team for the weekend. But then he got dumped out and my second sub - who I had meant to play, and who kept a clean sheet - came in instead.

So I'm happy out again :)