France V Republic of Ireland - Thursday, 7th September 2023 - Euro 2024 Qualifier

[SkStu]

Jesus lads, he turned up to Dublin and was assessed by the FAI's doctors. Do you think he faked the injury on the scans that the FAI doctors did ffs.

He took a knock during the game at the weekend and was hobbling. I called it out in the Evan Ferguson thread.

He's injured.

[Jd2793]

kenny hasnt been good but dear god hes had some rough luck. hard not to feel a bit sorry for him

[thischarmingman]

Maybe not quite Nirvana - more like back of a cosy pub with the third round on the way?

It's nice, but not quite Nirvana

You're going to have to explain the difference to me here.

[placid casual]

I'm of the belief that you make your own luck in football,and Kenny used up all his convincing the Irish football public he was up to the job despite winning only 1 or 2 games now and then.
The Ireland job is a poisoned chalice to some degree as the lack of Irish player's playing week to week at even a remotely decent level ultimately hinders the coach in his choices.
Big money is easy to come by in English lower league level and the average Irish player is competing with players from 150 different countries for their places.
The fact that international tournaments are continuing to swell in number's and yet we still cannot qualify to save our life is galling enough,but the fact that the sweaties and the Welsh are qualifying for events really grates.

[pineapple stu]

You're going to have to explain the difference to me here.

Could have a fourth pint on the way :)

[pineapple stu]

About the only position we have actual cover for. If that's the worst news we get this week, I'll be quite happy!
Ah. This Ferguson business is my fault, isn't it...?

[Eirambler]

I'm of the belief that you make your own luck in football,and Kenny used up all his convincing the Irish football public he was up to the job despite winning only 1 or 2 games now and then.
The Ireland job is a poisoned chalice to some degree as the lack of Irish player's playing week to week at even a remotely decent level ultimately hinders the coach in his choices.
Big money is easy to come by in English lower league level and the average Irish player is competing with players from 150 different countries for their places.
The fact that international tournaments are continuing to swell in number's and yet we still cannot qualify to save our life is galling enough,but the fact that the sweaties and the Welsh are qualifying for events really grates.

Don't think you need to worry too much about the Welsh for the next while anyway. They're roughly where we were six or seven years ago, staring into some very bleak times.

[elatedscum]

With Obafemi and Ferguson out, options look pretty bleak at No.9. Idah and Keane competing for a place, unless Troy (or Hogan) is given a late call-up...

[pineapple stu]

If you call Parrott up, you've two forwards (along with Connolly) not fully match fit though. Not ideal either.

Robinson is injured too, yeah? Hasn't made the bench at club level the last couple of games.

This could be a long week...

[sbgawa]

Sinclair Armstrong has started the season well for QPR scoring 1 and a couple of assists, he is in the 21's might be worth a shout off the bench.
He has huge pace.

[seanfhear]

Sinclair Armstrong has started the season well for QPR scoring 1 and a couple of assists, he is in the 21's might be worth a shout off the bench.
He has huge pace.
Could be handy on the counter-attack.

[tetsujin1979]

It's only two days until the French game, I doubt anyone will be called up with such a short lead in. The U21s are playing Turkey on Friday, and then San Marino on Tuesday. There could be someone promoted for the Dutch game, even if just to take make up the numbers, and sent back to Cork for the qualifier against San Marino

[mark12345]

I feel bad for Kenny as Ferguson was obviously the first name on the team sheet. My concern is that Kenny will send the players out to attack France and try to beat them at a passing game. An approach like that has the potential for us to get a major hiding.

Kenny's first name on the team sheet at this point should be Will Keane. It's time to revert to the long ball tactics. Board up Bazunus goal and hope to get one scoring opportunity at the other end

[zero]

Kenny's first name on the team sheet at this point should be Will Keane. It's time to revert to the long ball tactics. Board up Bazunus goal and hope to get one scoring opportunity at the other end

i'm on the same page really. 4-5-1 or 5-4-1 and hope for the best.

maybe ogbene as an agent of chaos as the 1.

[elatedscum]

i'm on the same page really. 4-5-1 or 5-4-1 and hope for the best.

maybe ogbene as an agent of chaos as the 1.

think i'd probably do this:

Bazunu

O’shea
Collins
Duffy
Egan / Omobamidele
Manning


Ogbene
Cullen
Molumby
Smallbone / Knight


Idah

Not mad on starting either of Idah or Keane up top, but I think Idah is more likely to give you 60 minutes of relentless work and hold up the ball for the rest of the team to regroup.

[JR89]

Even without Ferguson we've got 3 CFs in the squad and Kenny probably views Ogbene as a CF too but won't include him cause he'll be playing a support role anyway.

So on the fact we've got three CFs and probably will be starting the game with only one, then I can't see him calling up anyone else.

As Tets said could end up with someone from the U21s joining in with the seniors to make up the numbers. Sinclair Armstrong wouldn't be a bad option given his style rather than Parrott.

[Kingdom]

It'll take Parrot about 4 hours by train to get to Gare du Nord in Paris - possibly 3 - if he was to be called up as a last minute replacement and knows the set-up at this stage.

[elatedscum]

Even without Ferguson we've got 3 CFs in the squad and Kenny probably views Ogbene as a CF too but won't include him cause he'll be playing a support role anyway.

So on the fact we've got three CFs and probably will be starting the game with only one, then I can't see him calling up anyone else.

As Tets said could end up with someone from the U21s joining in with the seniors to make up the numbers. Sinclair Armstrong wouldn't be a bad option given his style rather than Parrott.

Not sure I really see Connolly being able to play alone up top. Left of a 2 or left of a 3 - which to me at least, leaves it with Idah and Keane vying for 1 slot. I imagine, Ogbene will be used to double up on Mbappe again

[SkStu]

Kenny's first name on the team sheet at this point should be Will Keane. It's time to revert to the long ball tactics. Board up Bazunus goal and hope to get one scoring opportunity at the other end

Keane is the direct and obvious replacement for Ferguson. After his performance against France in Dublin, we will likely see Ogbene beside him in a 3-5-2 (and with Knight theoretically adding a more attacking link from midfield (possibly McGrath)) but in a more defensive mindset. Connolly possibly off the left in a 3-4-3 but i think that would be suicide.

[JR89]

Not sure I really see Connolly being able to play alone up top. Left of a 2 or left of a 3 - which to me at least, leaves it with Idah and Keane vying for 1 slot. I imagine, Ogbene will be used to double up on Mbappe again

Mightn't suit us to have him there but he's also played Ogbene there so think he'd view Connolly as someone that could play there too. Plus given his minutes played I can't see him starting and only coming off the bench.

Think we'll see a midfield and CF of:


Ogbene Molumby Cullen Knight
Idah

In defence it's a flat midfield four and in attack Ogbene and Knight will be asked to get forward to support Idah. Think Connolly will be seen as an option to replace Ogbene or Knight to support the CF rather than playing as the CF.

[SkStu]

I'd probably go...

Baz

O'Shea (RWB)
Collins
Duffy
Egan
Stevens (LWB)

Cullen
Molumby
Knight

Ogbene

Keane (Idah also in contention)

[JR89]

I'd probably go...

Baz

O'Shea (RWB)
Collins
Duffy
Egan
Stevens (LWB)

Cullen
Molumby
Knight

Ogbene

Keane (Idah also in contention)

Egan could be out for the France game. With Omobamidele called up it's a good bet he is and throw in him being one yellow away from suspension I think he won't start .

[SkStu]

He trained in full today, i thought - hence i have him as a starter. Probably one of the first names on the team sheet for SK when he is fit/available.

[JR89]

Seems he did. The Ferguson news I've avoided social media today.

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[tommy_c12000]

Id go:

Bazunu

Ebosele Collins Egan Omobamidele O’Shea

Cullen, Molumby, Knight

Ogbene

Idah

[third policeman]

Id go:

Bazunu

Ebosele Collins Egan Omobamidele O’Shea

Cullen, Molumby, Knight

Ogbene

Idah

Possibly Smallbone for Molumby, but otherwise I’d be happy with that team.

[SkStu]

I think it would be very risky to hand Ebosele his debut away to France...

[CraftyToePoke]

I think it would be very risky to hand Ebosele his debut away to France...

I'd be inclined to agree, but in a squad where McClean was selected despite it making no sense in any way other than the experience he brings, I'd say we won't see Ebosele.

[liamoo11]

Given its an away game id like to see us play 4 centre halves in a back 4 of Omobamidele Duffy collins and o shea , then a 5 man midfield of Cullen and molumby with ebosele and ogbene as proper wingers and Knight getting forward from midfield to support Idah. Compact with pace on the counter and legs in midfield from.knight and molumby to try to join attack and midfield together

[Jd2793]

I'd be inclined to agree, but in a squad where McClean was selected despite it making no sense in any way other than the experience he brings, I'd say we won't see Ebosele.

eh? hes been by far our best lwb under kenny. odowda and stevens havent delivered for ireland.

[Stuttgart88]

I think Stevens was decent enough. Maybe better under Mick.

Anyway, I remember the corresponding fixture in 2004. That whole week dragged on so long. The anticipation was killing me and several of us here. Different now?

Was it that game there was a new poster (PT Egan?) giving us all tips on how to navigate Paris? Pre-smartphones, TripAdvisor etc...

[Kingdom]

eh? hes been by far our best lwb under kenny. odowda and stevens havent delivered for ireland.

Matt dohrety has been our best LWB under Kenny i'd venture.

[Fixer82]

I think Stevens was decent enough. Maybe better under Mick.


Agree. Think he's been fairly solid for us for the most part

[Olé Olé]

Given its an away game id like to see us play 4 centre halves in a back 4 of Omobamidele Duffy collins and o shea , then a 5 man midfield of Cullen and molumby with ebosele and ogbene as proper wingers and Knight getting forward from midfield to support Idah. Compact with pace on the counter and legs in midfield from.knight and molumby to try to join attack and midfield together
I'd be backing this one myself but can see a defensive 3-4-3 with Knight and Ogbene behind Idah and then two wing backs. Could see Kenny go with Doherty and McClean to be honest.

[CraftyToePoke]

eh? hes been by far our best lwb under kenny. odowda and stevens havent delivered for ireland.

I didn't say he wasn't. But he's in D4 in England now, he's 34 & he got his 100th cap recently, it looked like a fairly natural end point & might have been but his experience was deemed necessary due to others being out possibly.

[pineapple stu]

Agree. Think he's been fairly solid for us for the most part
I think he was weak enough the two games last year (Armenia/Ukraine) and given he's not getting any younger, there'd certainly be a feeling injuries were mounting and he was on the decline, even if he was certainly a solid option in his prime. He's 33 now and may have one more Nations League campaign left before retiring anyway.

[Olé Olé]

I'd be backing this one myself but can see a defensive 3-4-3 with Knight and Ogbene behind Idah and then two wing backs. Could see Kenny go with Doherty and McClean to be honest.

Forgot Doherty is suspended. Very short options at right wing back. Wonder how likely the flat back four is...

[CraftyToePoke]

Forgot Doherty is suspended. Very short options at right wing back. Wonder how likely the flat back four is...

Knight was asked about playing there yesterday in the presser.

https://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2023/0905/1403481-knight-ready-to-answer-ireland-call-to-man-mark-mbappe/

[Jolly Red Giant]

Things could go sideways in Paris very easily. I am not looking forward to the game.

[Stuttgart88]

I think it would be very risky to hand Ebosele his debut away to France...I'd play both Festy and Sinclair Armstrong. France won't know what hit them. Mbappe would have to drop back to cover.

[Stuttgart88]

Things could go sideways in Paris very easily. I am not looking forward to the game.I'd bite your hand off for sideways.

[JR89]

Would guess it's looking likely that Egan is fit and O'Shea to maybe line out at RWB. Also for a keeper Kelleher picks up a lot of knocks.

1699448192796934654

[Olé Olé]

In fairness even if the right wing back is nominally, say, Omobamidele, then they will end up tucking in naturally and even get support from Ogbene so becomes a flat back 4 quite quickly. Bigger concern for me is who goes left wing back as they will need to provide something good for us going forward. Would love a Festy wildcard.

[third policeman]

That could work in the way that Ogbene disrupted them in Dublin. Pace is about all we have to offer by way of a threat

[SkStu]

In fairness even if the right wing back is nominally, say, Omobamidele, then they will end up tucking in naturally and even get support from Ogbene so becomes a flat back 4 quite quickly. Bigger concern for me is who goes left wing back as they will need to provide something good for us going forward. Would love a Festy wildcard.

Personally would prefer the stability of Stevens in there for France and Holland but think Festy needs to get some minutes at some point and needs to be integrated in the upcoming games against Greece and/or Gibraltar and, for sure, against NZ.

I'd also start Ogbene this week for the wildcard effect.

[Trequartista20]

I'd be surprised if we didn't set up against France in a similar manner to how we did in Dublin, which was effectively a 5-4-1 that became a 3-4-2-1 on those rare occasions when we tried to get forward, with Molumby and Cullen sitting deep and Ogbene and Knight stationed in front of the wingbacks and asked to get forward and support the loan striker, (probably Idah) when they can.

Nathan Collins played rightback/right wingback at Stoke, so it would make sense to play him there against the French, given our lack of options. Then, do you go with Egan-Duffy-O'Shea in the centre, or Omobamidele-Egan-O'Shea?

It's a tight call. Duffy's has been playing more regularly than Omobamidele, is more experienced, poses a greater threat in the opposition penalty area and is probably better suited to the kind of backs-to-the-wall defending that's likely to be needed.

At left wingback, I'd probably plump for Enda Stevens, given his experience. Whilst he's not as good going forward, he's a better defender than Manning/Festy, who could be brought on later in the game if we're behind and in need of some attacking impetus.

It'll be interesting to see how Kenny sets up.

[Jolly Red Giant]

The problem with Duffy is that he can't handle pace - and France have a lot of pace

[Trequartista20]

Will his lack of pace really be exposed when we're likely to be defending deeply and in numbers, though?

[liamoo11]

Will his lack of pace really be exposed when we're likely to be defending deeply and in numbers, though?

He won't be any higher than the edge of the penalty atea

[texidub]

This match is like having a dentist's appointment coming up - dreading it and it's likely to be painful at times, but has to be done.