Republic of Ireland V Scotland - Saturday, 11 June 2022 - 2022/23 UEFA Nations League

[tetsujin1979]

Highlights from Scotland's 2-0 win against Armenia

For me, I don't think Ralston would win that header in the box (at 0:19) against our defence. Their second at 1:15 could go either way against us. We don't concede too many from set pieces, but it's a really good cross and McKenna's header is absolutely textbook.
jocwYSefd6s

[tetsujin1979]

Actually, while I was trying to think about goals we've conceded from set pieces, I remembered Brook's goal against us in Wales, and then Ronaldo's two goals against us in September. There's a lot in common there - an attack down our left, a cross, Bale's cross means that all three headers are scored from a similar spot in the middle of the goal. Could be reading too much into it, what do you thin?

[JR89]

Egan ruled out for tomorrow and Coleman has left camp.

[backstothewall]

My team for tomorrow.

After a serious of disappointing performances I feel the axe has to come down for a few, and some of the others deserve a chance.

I also think Knight deserves a chance at the Hendrick role in the middle rather than being shunted from pillar to post.


------------------ Travers -----------------
----------- Collins Duffy Egan ------------
Ebosele --- Knight -- Cullen ----Manning
---- Obafemi --- Keane --- Robinson ----

[JR89]

My team for tomorrow.

After a serious of disappointing performances I feel the axe has to come down for a few, and some of the others deserve a chance.

I also think Knight deserves a chance at the Hendrick role in the middle rather than being shunted from pillar to post.


------------------ Travers -----------------
----------- Collins Duffy Egan ------------
Ebosele --- Knight -- Cullen ----Manning
---- Obafemi --- Keane --- Robinson ----

Egan is ruled out and Scotland will rip us asunder if we play a midfield two when they'll more than likely line up with Gilmour, McGinn, McGregor, and Christie in midfield.

[zero]

I would go 4-5-1 with a flat back four and obafemi up front. Of course that won't happen so I assume the same team bar enforced changes. Maybe one player rested.

[JR89]

---------------------Travers
----------O'Shea - Duffy - Collins
Festy - Molumby - Hendrick - McClean
--------------Browne - Knight
---------------------Obafemi

[Diggs246]

I would go 4-5-1 with a flat back four and obafemi up front. Of course that won't happen so I assume the same team bar enforced changes. Maybe one player rested.

1000%
Its obvious that this is our best bet

[ifk101]

Kelleher
OShea Duffy Collins
Christie Cullen Hendrick McClean
Ogbene Obafemi Knight

No real conviction in that selection but don’t want to make too many changes for the sake of continuity. Was thinking a flat back 4 but not sure about the full backs and it exposes Duffy’s limitations on the ball.

[Diggs246]

Kelleher
OShea Duffy Collins
Christie Cullen Hendrick McClean
Ogbene Obafemi Knight

No real conviction in that selection but don’t want to make too many changes for the sake of continuity. Was thinking a flat back 4 but not sure about the full backs and it exposes Duffy’s limitations on the ball.

How about this re 4-5-1
__________ kelleher
OShea Collins duffy manning
Christe cullen Knight McLean
__________parrott
__________obefemi

[ifk101]

How about this re 4-5-1
__________ kelleher
OShea Collins duffy manning
Christe cullen Knight McLean
__________parrott
__________obefemi

Duffy is a worry in a back four if the philosophy is play out from the back, making Collins and OShea the stronger CB pair? Manning deserves an opportunity but maybe in his club position? He didn't exactly excel in making his debut at LB. That leaves Stevens for LB who looks off the pace, and pushes Christie to RB who's strength is going forward and probably therefore best suited as a wing back?

[third policeman]

Kelleher


O’Shea. Collins. Manning

Ebosele Cullen. Stevens

Molumby. Knight

Parrott
Obafemi

[Diggs246]

Duffy is a worry in a back four if the philosophy is play out from the back, making Collins and OShea the stronger CB pair? Manning deserves an opportunity but maybe in his club position? He didn't exactly excel in making his debut at LB. That leaves Stevens for LB who looks off the pace, and pushes Christie to RB who's strength is going forward and probably therefore best suited as a wing back?

I think if we go with this team, the philosophy would have changed dramatically ( this is just what I would do) .
Duffy has the extra experience, the areal threat and will probably be captain
Enda has tp be dropped and Manning is all that's there!

The key is the 10 ( parrott ) and the 9 Ofafemi... thats the real difference

[Demesne Lad]

Travers

Lenihan Collins O'Shea

Knight Robinson Hourihane McClean

Hamilton Hogan Obafemi

[joey B]

Kelleher

Christie Collins OShea Stevens

Browne Molumby Cullen Knight McClean

Obafemi

[Razors left peg]

Kenny brought in wingbacks originally to accommodate both Coleman and Doherty in the same team, but somehow we are still trying to shoehorn a team into that doesnt necessarily fit now that we are missing them. Id go back to the formation that he used successfully as u21 manager.

Travers
O'Shea Collins Linehan McClean
Cullen Molumby
Ogbene Parrott Knight
Obafemi

Right back would be my toughest choice there, Id like to pick Ebosele but I think hes more suited to a more forward role and I'd like him to get at least a half hour to have a look at him. O'Shea has played there before at club level, as has Collins. I'd rather have a look at something different than Christie. At left back McClean is still our best option until Bagan and Adaramola are ready for the step up

[Trequartista20]

If we do play with three at the back - and I doubt Kenny will be too radical in changing personnel and systems - then I'd like to see us play three in midfield and two strikers who stay reasonably close together and seek to get hold of the ball, link up and occupy the Scotland defence. We're struggling to score and in Obafemi, Keane, Parrott and Hogan we have, to greater or lesser degrees, forwards who scored a decent amount of goals last season. Why not try using them? I think we need to play a genuine number 9, and for me Obafemi's club form means he has to start, with Keane or, preferably, Parrott alongside him.

Parrot is technically accomplished with good touch and control and if he's allowed to play centrally has the potential to link midfield and attack in a way we've been lacking.

Kenny's insistence on playing Ogbene as a central attacker makes little sense to me; he seems unsuited to the role, as his position and goalscoring record at club level seem to bear out. He lacks the technical ability to be really effective in that position - his touch let's him down, his movement isn't good and he doesn't have the ability to play with his back to goal and hold the ball up that a natural striker would have. I'd play him at wingback if anywhere.

Hendrick and Cullen look spent and I'd use the opportunity to look at other midfield options. Molumby ended the season well at WBA, so he perhaps deserves in opportunity, and Knight ought to be afforded the chance to play in his natural central position.

Lenihan had an excellent season for Blackburn and should probably see that recognised with a starting place. Manning impressed in a number of roles in Swansea's possession-based team and I'd probably give him an opportunity, either at LCB or wingback.

I'd also reward Travers with a start after an outstanding season for Bournemouth.

In short, I'd be seeking to freshen things up and to give more of the guys who've played regularly and shown some form during the past season a chance. The manager's relying on too many players who haven't been playing or who are out of sorts at club level and it's a big part of our problem.

[joey B]

Max O’Leary called into the squad for the injured James Talbot.

[Razors left peg]

If we do play with three at the back - and I doubt Kenny will be too radical in changing personnel and systems - then I'd like to see us play three in midfield and two strikers who stay reasonably close together and seek to get hold of the ball, link up and occupy the Scotland defence. We're struggling to score and in Obafemi, Keane, Parrott and Hogan we have, to greater or lesser degrees, forwards who scored a decent amount of goals last season. Why not try using them? I think we need to play a genuine number 9, and for me Obafemi's club form means he has to start, with Keane or, preferably, Parrott alongside him.

Parrot is technically accomplished with good touch and control and if he's allowed to play centrally has the potential to link midfield and attack in a way we've been lacking.

Kenny's insistence on playing Ogbene as a central attacker makes little sense to me; he seems unsuited to the role, as his position and goalscoring record at club level seem to bear out. He lacks the technical ability to be really effective in that position - his touch let's him down, his movement isn't good and he doesn't have the ability to play with his back to goal and hold the ball up that a natural striker would have. I'd play him at wingback if anywhere.

Hendrick and Cullen look spent and I'd use the opportunity to look at other midfield options. Molumby ended the season well at WBA, so he perhaps deserves in opportunity, and Knight ought to be afforded the chance to play in his natural central position.

Lenihan had an excellent season for Blackburn and should probably see that recognised with a starting place. Manning impressed in a number of roles in Swansea's possession-based team and I'd probably give him an opportunity, either at LCB or wingback.

I'd also reward Travers with a start after an outstanding season for Bournemouth.

In short, I'd be seeking to freshen things up and to give more of the guys who've played regularly and shown some form during the past season a chance. The manager's relying on too many players who haven't been playing or who are out of sorts at club level and it's a big part of our problem.

Agree with all of that really

[TonyD]

Kenny brought in wingbacks originally to accommodate both Coleman and Doherty in the same team, but somehow we are still trying to shoehorn a team into that doesnt necessarily fit now that we are missing them. Id go back to the formation that he used successfully as u21 manager.

Travers
O'Shea Collins Linehan McClean
Cullen Molumby
Ogbene Parrott Knight
Obafemi

Right back would be my toughest choice there, Id like to pick Ebosele but I think hes more suited to a more forward role and I'd like him to get at least a half hour to have a look at him. O'Shea has played there before at club level, as has Collins. I'd rather have a look at something different than Christie. At left back McClean is still our best option until Bagan and Adaramola are ready for the step up

Of all the suggested teams I’ve seen here I think this is the one I’d favour. I think he’ll have to make major changes. He’s under serious pressure so why not go for it ? We certainly need to beef up midfield, been played through far too easily in the last two games. I’m not convinced Obafemi is the answer up front, but it’s worth giving him a start.

Was thinking over the last few days what a shame it is that Wes Hoolahans time with the national team didn’t coincide with Kennys. Wes in his prime could make a big impact in this team I think.

[Razors left peg]

Of all the suggested teams I’ve seen here I think this is the one I’d favour. I think he’ll have to make major changes. He’s under serious pressure so why not go for it ? We certainly need to beef up midfield, been played through far too easily in the last two games. I’m not convinced Obafemi is the answer up front, but it’s worth giving him a start.

Was thinking over the last few days what a shame it is that Wes Hoolahans time with the national team didn’t coincide with Kennys. Wes in his prime could make a big impact in this team I think.

The team would have been built around Wes Tony. Even Andy Reid would make an enormous difference. For all our possession we dont have that player with a spark of brilliance to pick a killer pass

[third policeman]

Was thinking over the last few days what a shame it is that Wes Hoolahans time with the national team didn’t coincide with Kennys. Wes in his prime could make a big impact in this team I think.

Given the paucity of our midfield options at the minute, I’d be loath to write off Byrne. He’s only really had cameos up to now compared to some who have consistently underwhelmed. It would be good if Smallbone got that move to Forest, as he looks like a player, but not really had a proper run at Southampton.

[SkStu]

The team would have been built around Wes Tony. Even Andy Reid would make an enormous difference. For all our possession we dont have that player with a spark of brilliance to pick a killer pass

He wasn't that fat.

[seanfhear]

He wasn't that fat.
He was a Big Entertainer ! !

[Razors left peg]

Given the paucity of our midfield options at the minute, I’d be loath to write off Byrne. He’s only really had cameos up to now compared to some who have consistently underwhelmed. It would be good if Smallbone got that move to Forest, as he looks like a player, but not really had a proper run at Southampton.

Byrne off the bench with 20 minutes to go would be a decent option to have in some games. His pass this season for the assist against Dundalk was the best Ive seen anywhere in years

[tommy_c12000]

The gulf between LOI and senior international level has been clearly evident throughout the past 30 years, Byrne has failed in England, Scotland, Cyprus, he did do ok with a poor Dutch team at a young age, and has only blossomed in the LOI. In his brief cameo for Ireland he also failed to impress. Byrne is a firm no for me.

[Eirambler]

Andorra got their first ever Nations League win tonight, so that just leaves four winless teams now, Iceland, Ireland, NI and San Marino.

[tetsujin1979]

The second goal was ridiculous
1535360128760823808

[tommy_c12000]

Im sticking with:

Travers
Ebosele, Collins, Duffy, O’Shea, McClean
Cullen, Molumby,
Parrott, Obafemi, Knight

That team will beat Scotland if selected.

Alan Browne isn’t good enough. Ogbene is a useful impact sub, not a future starter for me unless he drastically improves in the championship next season. Christie had another underwhelming club season, and has never impressed me in an irish shirt. It’s time to blood Festy in. Robinson can remain as a bench option. I like Lenihan, but would take Duffy’s experience as a stop gap until Omobamidele is back fit. If reverting to flat back 4 that could change things, with O’Shea needed at RB, I would NOT trust Festy right now unless Collins is right behind him, or you push him further up the field.

[MancIrishWolf]

Im sticking with:

Travers
Ebosele, Collins, Duffy, O’Shea, McClean
Cullen, Molumby,
Parrott, Obafemi, Knight

.

That’d be a great team. Kenny’s retrenched with fear this campaign relying on over the hill players. The only shining lights have been the kids, so let’s whack them all in and see what they can do. No such thing as a bad experience and will negate the usual cautious cynicism of our senior perennial underachievers.

[seanfhear]

That’d be a great team. Kenny’s retrenched with fear this campaign relying on over the hill players. The only shining lights have been the kids, so let’s whack them all in and see what they can do. No such thing as a bad experience and will negate the usual cautious cynicism of our senior perennial underachievers.
Kenny would be better to go down fighting with a team like this, than with a Whimper that, we are almost certain to get from him in the next two games ! !

[Eirambler]

Im sticking with:

Travers
Ebosele, Collins, Duffy, O’Shea, McClean
Cullen, Molumby,
Parrott, Obafemi, Knight

That team will beat Scotland if selected.

Alan Browne isn’t good enough. Ogbene is a useful impact sub, not a future starter for me unless he drastically improves in the championship next season. Christie had another underwhelming club season, and has never impressed me in an irish shirt. It’s time to blood Festy in. Robinson can remain as a bench option. I like Lenihan, but would take Duffy’s experience as a stop gap until Omobamidele is back fit. If reverting to flat back 4 that could change things, with O’Shea needed at RB, I would NOT trust Festy right now unless Collins is right behind him, or you push him further up the field.

Festy hasn't made the match day 23 unfortunately.

[pineapple stu]

Ogbene injured too it seems. Manning and Ebosele the two to miss out on the matchday squad - bit strange as they're both in relatively similar positions? Hogan and Lenihan added to the 23 instead.

I think we're due a hammering one of these days unfortunately - Ukraine could have done it based on the Scotland game but made 10 changes instead; Belgium could have done it based on the first 30 minutes of the match but again their decision to play a second string helped us; Portugal could have done it based on how they've been playing lately (they were a joy to watch v Switzerland) but they simply weren't bothered in Lansdowne; Serbia could have done it but for a combination of poor finishing and great goalkeeping.

I don't think Scotland are the team to deliver it though; they've some players we'd kill for, but up front isn't their strength. Is it predictable to suggest we'll start brightly, get lost midway through the first half, gradually fall back before conceding a goal, and then lumping forward to Duffy for the last 15 minutes but failing to rescue a 1-0 defeat?

I'd hope for a reaction to the Ukraine game, but then I hoped for the same reaction from the Armenia game and it didn't happen.

Ukraine on Wednesday could be a long night if they bring back in their top players.

[Jd2793]

manning must be seen as a cb and only a cb. no other reason to explain his omission

[pineapple stu]

But why did he play wing-back against Lithuania then?

[Jd2793]

But why did he play wing-back against Lithuania then?

no idea tbh. its the only explanation i have for him not being included in the matchday squads.

[sbgawa]

This team isnt good enough to go on a run of wins and Kennys credibility is shot.
Its a case of get rid of him now or limp into the euros qualifying and get rid of him after a couple of games.
The FAI will be looking for the cheapest way out at this stage so id guess it will be at the end of the Nations league (if he gets that far).
They put it out there that there was a performance clause in his contract and youd have to think he hasnt ticked that box.
Only thing he has going for him from an FAI perspective is he is cheap.

Are we better off getting relegated at this stage and having a better Nations league the next time?

[Trequartista20]

Ogbene, Coleman and Doherty are out and Festy still can't make the matchday squad. Baffling. And why ignore one of your better footballing options, in Manning, when you profess a desire to play a possession-based game?

'Michael Obafemi is in line for a first Irish start, with Alan Browne also pushing for involvement either in midfield or at right wing-back, with James McClean set to get the nod ahead of Enda Stevens on the other side. Dara O’Shea is the front runner to replace Egan.':


https://m.independent.ie/sport/soccer/international-soccer/without-a-shadow-of-a-doubt-kenny-continues-to-see-himself-as-best-option-for-ireland-as-ogbene-joins-injury-list-41742138.html


So Alan Browne at wingback, again.

Good grief...

[Eirambler]

No, because League B offers a route to the World Cup playoffs next time and League C doesn't. So if he relegates us he has damaged our chances up to 2026 as well. Tonight is his last chance, no win tonight and he has to go, simple as that. It will only be a small payoff because of the break clause in his contract and it will give a new man the time and a chance to undo some of the damage in the autumn and rebuild towards the qualifiers next year.

[tommy_c12000]

Ogbene, Coleman and Doherty are out and Festy still can't make the matchday squad. Baffling. And why ignore one of your better footballing options, in Manning, when you profess a desire to play a possession-based game?

'Michael Obafemi is in line for a first Irish start, with Alan Browne also pushing for involvement either in midfield or at right wing-back, with James McClean set to get the nod ahead of Enda Stevens on the other side. Dara O’Shea is the front runner to replace Egan.':


https://m.independent.ie/sport/soccer/international-soccer/without-a-shadow-of-a-doubt-kenny-continues-to-see-himself-as-best-option-for-ireland-as-ogbene-joins-injury-list-41742138.html


So Alan Browne at wingback, again.

Good grief...

This is disturbing news to wake up to…

[Razors left peg]

Ebosele must look crap in training or something.

[Diggs246]

Ogbene, Coleman and Doherty are out and Festy still can't make the matchday squad. Baffling. And why ignore one of your better footballing options, in Manning, when you profess a desire to play a possession-based game?

'Michael Obafemi is in line for a first Irish start, with Alan Browne also pushing for involvement either in midfield or at right wing-back, with James McClean set to get the nod ahead of Enda Stevens on the other side. Dara O’Shea is the front runner to replace Egan.':


https://m.independent.ie/sport/soccer/international-soccer/without-a-shadow-of-a-doubt-kenny-continues-to-see-himself-as-best-option-for-ireland-as-ogbene-joins-injury-list-41742138.html


So Alan Browne at wingback, again.

Good grief...

Not that there is any danger
But am I right in saying obafemi after today will be permanently a rep of Ireland player? With no other options

[ColourfulPeanut]

Yep, today is his 3rd appearance after turning 21. He's locked in if he plays today.

Wouldn't be worrying as you said though!

[SkStu]

Kelleher
Browne
Duffy
Egan
Collins
McClean
Cullen
Molumby
Knight
Obafemi
Parrott

Browne at RWB, even though he’s played there, is baffling ahead of Festy. Rest of it: whatever, we’ll see how it goes.

[tommy_c12000]

That’s official line out or expected from Dan McD?

[tommy_c12000]

O’Shea for Duffy, Ebosele for Browne and that is a solid side. Alan Browne at RWB, has Kenny lost his marbles? Love the Cullen, Molumby, Parrott, Obafemi, Knight selection.

[pineapple stu]

Ukraine with a stronger but not full-strength team against Armenia today - Yarmolenko an unused sub but Zinchenko played most of the match.

They won 3-0, so that helps us in the goal difference stakes at least. But I think they'll have a stronger lineup on Wednesday than they did last week

[Razors left peg]

I like the team. Could it be a 433 with Collins right back and Browne in midfield 3?

[tommy_c12000]

Could be, but I would be surprised

[SkStu]

Ukraine with a stronger but not full-strength team against Armenia today - Yarmolenko an unused sub but Zinchenko played most of the match.

They won 3-0, so that helps us in the goal difference stakes at least. But I think they'll have a stronger lineup on Wednesday than they did last week

I watched it here this morning. I won’t say they were lucky, they were by far the better side, but Armenia were resilient and Ukraine found them fairly difficult to break down for large parts of the game. Armenia had a great chance to equalize but keeper clawed it back.

At one point, I thought to myself, I might have to correct myself with Pineapple that maybe we are in actual relegation trouble. Thank god they scored and spared me the shame :D