Serbia V Republic of Ireland - Wednesday, 24th March 2021 - World Cup 2022 Qualifier

[pineapple stu]

Yeah, I wouldn't be keen on going down NFL routes of player care tbh

[Fixer82]

Idah is out.
Bring back McGeady and pay Didzy €100k to come back too

[Razors left peg]

Yeah, I wouldn't be keen on going down NFL routes of player care tbh

No, but you do see rugby players playing through some mad things at times too.

[pineapple stu]

Saw one fella play on with a broken hand once! Numpty. If nothing else, it'd surely impact your performance a bit. Plus Norwich would presumably get a veto in this case

[geysir]

Idah is out.
Bring back McGeady and pay Didzy €100k to come back too

I'd even commit to calling him Didzy.

[Snapshot]

I'd guess he'll go for more experience than that in midfield. I think people here overestimate the readiness of some of the younger guys. Even if Hendrick isn't on great form, I don't see him being behind all three of that lot. I don't rate Hourihane and O'Dowda all that highly, but I think Kenny does for now anyway, so they're in the mix too unless injured.

I'm curious to see what he does with Coleman and Doherty. There are a few options if he wants to play both, with no obvious winner. I'm inclined to agree with the popular idea on here that they'd fit better in a five man backline, with one of them at the right of the centre halves, but Kenny doesn't seem to like that, and he may be loath to change formation for this game even if he does consider it. One could play at left back, though I think Kenny will probably play Stevens who isn't that much worse than them and it's his natural side. I'd say the most likely possibility if he plays both is one of them at centre half, where Doherty played well when we were stuck in one of the more recent games.

Another big call is who plays at centre half. I think he really should drop Duffy, who didn't fit his style even before his club form fell off a cliff, but will he?

Kelleher would be my choice in goals if he's fit too, but every option carries risk. It'll be a big call, and whoever the new goalkeeping coach is will have to give Kenny input based on how they're all training.

So what's your team with what's currently available?

[irishfan86]

Never going to happen but at this point I’d almost be inclined to just throw Duffy up front, try to play it tight defensively and just bombard the Serbs with long balls.

Go 4-4-2 so Long can play off Duffy, just bypass the midfield and hope for the best.

I wish I was trolling but it really is getting that desperate.

——————-Kelleher————
Doherty—-O’Shea—-Clark—Stevens
Coleman—Cullen—Browne—Brady
————-—-Long—-Duffy——

[DeLorean]

Rochdale have conceded 63 goals in the third tier this season so far.

Bazunu's not remotely ready for Serbia away.

That's not to say he won't play, but he's not ready.

I see he's after winning their player of the month award for February, voted by their fans. Goals conceded is a pretty crude way of looking at it I think.

That's not to say he is ready or anything, but I'm not sure any of our options can really be considered ready. At least he's actually playing regular football.

I think I'd probably go with Travers myself and just pray he has a game like his debut against Spurs rather than some of his ropier performances since.

[pineapple stu]

Well I'm also looking at it from the point of view of him playing at the foot of the third tier.

They've two points from the last 27 and haven't even scored in seven games; Player of the Month is a bit meaningless in that context. Someone has to win it, but it doesn't mean they're playing well

[DeLorean]

I'd like to think it means he isn't making bad mistakes every week, at least. Travers was only on loan to the same division, O'Hara a sub in same division. Kelleher the only alternative and has played very little and has basically mixed the somewhat adequate with the bad when he has had a rare opportunity. I guess he gets the nod if available, just not sure it's that clearcut.

[pineapple stu]

It's maybe not that clear cut who starts in goal - especially if Kelleher's injured - but if Bazunu starts, we're in big trouble. And certainly the earlier Shay Given comparison, which I was initially responding to, doesn't stack up.

[liamoo11]

Even though we have so many injured I think we can still put out a reasonable side
Kelleher
Coleman Duffy Clark Steven's
Doherty Cullen knight Brady
Hendrick
Robinson

We are going to need energy on midfield and that team has that. Browne might be likely to start ahead of knight . We will need either brady or hourihane for set pieces and I just dont think hourihane has the legs to do the work we will need in a middle three in Serbia. We are going to play possession football not long ball so Robinson centrally gives is bit of pace and mobility and we wont be asking him to win high ball cause we not playing like that anymore. Long gives us 20 mins of pace off the bench. I find it hard to see Duffy not playing and a backs to the wall game in Serbia might suit him. The great thing about having no remotely world class players is that despite lots of injuries most of the replacement s are of a similar standard.

[DeLorean]

It's maybe not that clear cut who starts in goal - especially if Kelleher's injured - but if Bazunu starts, we're in big trouble. And certainly the earlier Shay Given comparison, which I was initially responding to, doesn't stack up.

The Given comparison came afterwards but, no, it doesn't stack up at all. Am I to take it you don't think we're in big trouble if Travers or Kelleher start, or at least considerably less trouble in a goalkeeping sense than if it's Bazunu? I don't see the risk level being increased all that much, especially seeing as he's the one playing every week in a team getting dominated. But still, Travers for me. :)

[pineapple stu]

The Given comparison was post #129, which was pretty much at the start of all this? Appreciate it wasn't you who made it though.

Yes, I think we're in trouble regardless. Kelleher I'd be ok with as I do think the Given comparisons stack up there. He's played a few games at a decent level and done reasonably well, but it's not clear if he'll be fit in time. Bazunu - "he isn't making bad mistakes every week" isn't a ringing endorsement. (The old joke about the two guys fleeing a lion comes to mind - I don't need to be fast to survive, I just need to be faster than the other guy. PotM just means he's showing better than the attacking players who haven't scored in seven games) Travers - yeah, also wouldn't be confident. And then you add in that we've also got no forwards and our competitiveness thus far under Kenny has needed some good performances from Randolph, and you get my earlier conclusion that I'm worried about the Luxembourg game, never mind Serbia.

[DeLorean]

Your post #127 was what I was discussing really, the Given comparison was after that (#129 as you say).

The potm award doesn't prove much but I think the amount of goals conceded proves possibly even less. The fact that the fans appear happy with him might suggest it would be far more only for him. Highly speculative of course.

Kelleher has done okay in a couple of high profile games but poorly (imo) in a string of lesser ones, including for our U21's.

[Diggs246]

Travers will surely be the one after kelleher. Has both premier league and international experience.

[pineapple stu]

Again, I don't think PotM necessarily means the fans are happy with him. Someone has to win it. And even if they are happy with him, they're still at the foot of the third tier. That's not good enough for a game against Serbia. He may have promise, but he's not ready.

I think Kelleher has done well any time he's played this season. He's played five games for Liverpool and conceded three goals. He had some dodgy games last season (the 5-5 v Arsenal springs to mind), but that was 18 months ago in a young player's development. Yes, goals against isn't the only way to judge a keeper, but I'd rather the guy keeping a clean sheet against Ajax in the Champions League than the one conceding more than two goals a game in the third tier. That's a big performance gap that you can't ignore.

And I'd still be slightly worried about Kelleher in Serbia.

[DeLorean]

. Yes, goals against isn't the only way to judge a keeper, but I'd rather the guy keeping a clean sheet against Ajax in the Champions League than the one conceding more than two goals a game in the third tier. That's a big performance gap that you can't ignore.

And probably the reason I'd give Kelleher a hesitant nod out of the two, but playing a game or two every six months isn't exactly good preparation compared to the run of games Bazunu has put together this season. And the reason most on here (I think) wanted Kelleher to go out on loan too, albeit not necessarily to L1.

[pineapple stu]

It's not ideal, sure, but then it's the same for Randolph. Training at a club like Liverpool every day is worth something in itself.

Bazunu and Kelleher are at the top two clubs in England at the moment. Klopp reckons Kelleher is his number 2, while Pep think Bazunu needs to go out on loan to a lower tier side. That's another good reason for me to want Kelleher ahead of Bazunu. He's just not ready. There's no question of who I'd pick if the two were fit. We can't go into vital qualifiers with a player shipping two goals a game in the English third tier. Mitrovic, Tadic and Jovic would have a field day.

[Trequartista20]

I'm not sure if Danny Rogers is back to fitness at Kilmarnock, but he'd be a solid option. Colin Doyle's been filling in for him recently. Bonham at Gillingham rarely gets mentioned and has been playing regularly and well for some time. And there's McDermott at KBK, though the Norwegian season doesn't start until next month.

I think we're just about covered.

I'd definitely have Bazanu in the squad, but I'd have my fingers crossed that Kelleher makes it.

[pineapple stu]

Yeah, summer seasons aren't great for March games alright. A couple of LoI players got call-ups to the last squad, but I'd probably rule them out on the basis of no game in four months alone.

Didn't realise Doyle was still playing, though League One was really his level too (albeit at the top of it)

[John83]

So what's your team with what's currently available?
Not sure, and I may have lost track of an injury, but something like this. I'm least sure of the midfield, but hey-ho. I think there's no chance of Kenny setting up like this either.

Kelleher

Coleman - O'Shea - Clark
Doherty Stevens
Brown - Knight - Hendrick
Long Robinson

[Trequartista20]

Is there anything to be said for calling at least one of the St Mirren contingent up? McGrath and Doyle-Hayes must be in with a shout. At least they're showing some decent form this season, and with the best will in the world you can't say that about too many of our lads this term.

[Trequartista20]

Not sure, and I may have lost track of an injury, but something like this. I'm least sure of the midfield, but hey-ho. I think there's no chance of Kenny setting up like this either.

Kelleher

Coleman - O'Shea - Clark
Doherty Stevens
Brown - Knight - Hendrick
Long Robinson


Not bad. Based on form, Cullen probably ought to start. I'm hopeful O'Dowda makes it. Maguire, back for PNE today, offers another much-needed attacking option.

[Bielsa´s irish]

Is there anything to be said for calling at least one of the St Mirren contingent up? McGrath and Doyle-Hayes must be in with a shout. At least they're showing some decent form this season, and with the best will in the world you can't say that about too many of our lads this term.that

That Mcgrath fellow deserves a call up best individual footballer in Scotland according to stats. Scully also deserves. Would get Sean McDermott in the squad to start vs Qatar. McGeady return will lift the team spirit after those dull apathic display

[Demesne Lad]

O'Dowda on the bench away to Birmingham today. Manning hasn't been mentioned too often above, but he started for Swansea.

[jbyrne]

goal for odowda

[John83]

Based on form, Cullen probably ought to start.
Kenny specifically mentioned him recently, didn't he? I guess he must be doing well at Anderlecht; definitely in with a shout of a start.

[Trequartista20]

Kenny confirmed Cullen will definitely be in the squad, which is really positive.

[pineapple stu]

That Mcgrath fellow deserves a call up best individual footballer in Scotland according to stats

What stats are ttery?

[Bielsa´s irish]

his stats McGrath has been a revelation from nowhere this season

[Bielsa´s irish]

10 goals so far

[Bielsa´s irish]

Scully 11 goals 7 assists. both in the squad, plus Connor Ronan plz

[CraftyToePoke]

that

That Mcgrath fellow deserves a call up best individual footballer in Scotland according to stats. Scully also deserves. Would get Sean McDermott in the squad to start vs Qatar. McGeady return will lift the team spirit after those dull apathic display

Lets see the stats which demonstrate him being the best individual footballer in Scotland, and not the 19th top scorer in the Premier Division there, good man.

[Bielsa´s irish]

Lets see the stats which demonstrate him being the best individual footballer in Scotland, and not the 19th top scorer in the Premier Division there, good man.

The guy plays for St Mirren, isnt that an indication of what he has done so far? He doesnt play for Ajax

[pineapple stu]

his stats McGrath has been a revelation from nowhere this season
What stats?

[Bielsa´s irish]

we cant score ,so bring guys who are in form and can score, youngsters even better. A mixture of youth plus Coleman and James McCarthy thats the way to go

[Bielsa´s irish]

What stats?
Mcgrath 10 goals
Scully 11 goals

[CraftyToePoke]

we cant score ,so bring guys who are in form and can score, youngsters even better. A mixture of youth plus Coleman and James McCarthy thats the way to go

Returning to those stats matter here mi amigo, whack em out there would you ? I am intrigued here.

[Bielsa´s irish]

Returning to those stats matter here mi amigo, whack em out there would you ? I am intrigued here.

we cant create chances we cant score since Duffy equalizer.

Bring kids who are scoring for fun to the squad. That McGrath isnt playing for Benfica nor Ajax or Celtic/Rangers. Bring that Scully and Delap's son to the next squad, Kenny

[pineapple stu]

Mcgrath 10 goals
Scully 11 goals
So Scully is better than him? Who else is better I wonder?

Are all goalkeepers rubbish because they don't score any goals?

[Bielsa´s irish]

So Scully is better than him? Who else is better I wonder?

Are all goalkeepers rubbish because they don't score any goals?

you got to get it, pal, you are talking nonsenses, it seems that you have never played the beautiful game in your entire life.

Again, most pro footballers are 6/7 from 10. A few 8 or 9. World class Messi, Ronaldo, Diego, Kempes, Ronaldinho,,,etc

We must field our 6/7 quality players when they are up. We havent score a goal in 7 matches, that's a low low point. Play kids they arent afraid they will rise to the occasion, the unknown guys Ronan, McGrath, Scully and bring more able to create a spark or score

[tetsujin1979]

that

That Mcgrath fellow deserves a call up best individual footballer in Scotland according to stats. Scully also deserves. Would get Sean McDermott in the squad to start vs Qatar. McGeady return will lift the team spirit after those dull apathic displayI'll need to see the stats that show McGrath of the best individual footballer in Scotland in the next 24 hours

[CraftyToePoke]

The guy plays for St Mirren, isnt that an indication of what he has done so far? He doesnt play for Ajax

Again I will refer you to the stats you mentioned which make him the best individual footballer in Scotland please ?
When you're ready and have time.

Thing is, I don't mind a bit of WUMing, a forum can even be better for it, but it has to be done with a bit of style, creativity, variation and entertaining cleverness, which you (and your limited brand of whatever it is you do) simply do not offer, mi amigo.

[Bielsa´s irish]

Again I will refer you to the stats you mentioned which make him the best individual footballer in Scotland please ?
When you're ready and have time.

Thing is, I don't mind a bit of WUMing, a forum can even be better for it, but it has to be done with a bit of style, creativity, variation and entertaining cleverness, which you (and your limited brand of whatever it is you do) simply do not offer, mi amigo.

Again, i cant connect myself with the WUM concept, had to google it, since we dont use this in spanish fútbol debates, my compadre! Again if a guy has double figures for a minnow team, an underdog team that's some evidence.

What's left on it? Nothing more. 10 goals , bring him on. Scully plays everywhere up front, scores, creates chances, bring him on. Lee O'Connor in form player atm, bring him on. we couldnt score for the last 7. Pathetic outcome, dull footie, no creativity, the 9 got isolated, chasing shadows.

Bring the kids plus Coleman James McCarthy maybe Shane Long and some experienced center backs, That's it. Play Ronan in the pocket, behind two strikers , 3 at the back, wingbacks, we may have chance with Por/Serb

[tetsujin1979]

What's left on it? Nothing more. 10 goals , bring him on. Scully plays everywhere up front, scores, creates chances, bring him on. Lee O'Connor in form player atm, bring him on. we couldnt score for the last 7. Pathetic outcome, dull footie, no creativity, the 9 got isolated, chasing shadows.
That's not evidence of anything other than 10 goals this season - including six in the league. That's not in the top ten players in the Scottish Premiership. Provide proof that McGrath is the best individual player in Scotland.

[CraftyToePoke]

Provide proof that McGrath is the best individual player in Scotland.

You may need to connect yourself with this concept Bielsa :) you may even have to Google it.

[Snapshot]

Not sure, and I may have lost track of an injury, but something like this. I'm least sure of the midfield, but hey-ho. I think there's no chance of Kenny setting up like this either.

Kelleher

Coleman - O'Shea - Clark
Doherty Stevens
Brown - Knight - Hendrick
Long Robinson

A solid side - and one that belies the fatalistic whinging that injury and a retirement have smashed everything. Egan and Connolly are well covered by Clark and Robinson. Long was always a better choice than Idah. We're without McCarthy (that's not unusual) and McGoldrick. Only the bench will be compromised - the above side (I'd prefer a fully-fit Brady to Knight) looks competitive and well capable of a result.

[Bielsa´s irish]

A solid side - and one that belies the fatalistic whinging that injury and a retirement have smashed everything. Egan and Connolly are well covered by Clark and Robinson. Long was always a better choice than Idah. We're without McCarthy (that's not unusual) and McGoldrick. Only the bench will be compromised - the above side (I'd prefer a fully-fit Brady to Knight) looks competitive and well capable of a result.

dont think James Mc is already out, he is returning from a strain, he is our mvp in my opinion, the best game we played under Kenny was with James Mc dictating the tempo.

dont know about randolph

[DeLorean]

Westwood started at Norwich today. Food for thought or has that ship sailed?