Ireland v Slovakia - Pre Match thread

[Colbert Report]

Here's who I think Staunton will play, assuming Ireland is unavailable:
Given
O'Shea McShane Dunne Finnan
McGeady Carsely Douglas Kilbane
Doyle Duff




Here's the lineup I would choose:
Given
Finnan McShane Dunne Harte
McGeady Carsley O'Shea Duff
Doyle Stokes

[theworm2345]

Stan said Doyle is not match fit
So...
Basically were stuck between a guy who hasn't played first team football in a month, a guy who cant crack the squad in the CCC, and an excellent League 1 striker...We're ****ed

[danonion]

morrison where art thou!

[GavinZac]

due to his match fitness, shay given will start up front. its just one of those things.

[Murpholini]

After the welsh game i think stan will realise a 4-5-1 will not work against the slovaks as we were pumping the ball up the pitch only to see it come right back every time until we introduced Doyle. Keane ran his socks off and covered more ground than any midfielder. Attack is the best option on wednesday as the slovaks will be gunning from the start and won't sit back like the welsh did in the first half. I hope all the mexican wavers are back in the safety of their homes for the game on wednesday, i go to matches to see the football and support the team, not to entertain these ole ole spanners.

[GavinZac]

Keane ran his socks off and covered more ground than any midfielder. A

all well and good but duff decided to play on the wings, so we had nobody in the box.

[Murpholini]

exactly. That's my point. We need two strikers to hold up the ball and take the pressure off our defence and midfield.

[green army]

given
o shea mcshane dunne finnan
hunt carsely kilbane mcgeedy
duff stokes

[GavinZac]

exactly. That's my point. We need two strikers to hold up the ball and take the pressure off our defence and midfield.

or alternatively, robbie keane to stay in position, and steven ireland and/or hunt selected in centre midfield to give us the creativity keane was trying to drum up.

[Dublin12]

Kilbane needs to go,all he does is run with no end product.Hunt should be in the team,hes got the right attitude and gives a lift to the team and the supporters.Could be a good thing that Robbie isn't playing,hopefully he'll give Stokes some decent time on the pitch.We need to win this one no more moral draws please,play two up front.Doyle and Stokes for me.

[B1977]

Given
Finnan Mcshane Dunne O'shea

Stokes Carsley Kilbane Hunt

Ireland

Doyle

[KopKiller]

presuming ireland isnt fit -

Given

Finann
Dunne
McShane
Harte

Hunt
Carsley
Kilbane
Duff

Doyle
Stokes

O Shea shouldnt get into the team, i dont ever recall him having a good game for ireland, he is now 3rd choice centre half.

Hunt has to start, he has put in 2 blinding substitute performances and he has what most of the team have lost ... passion for the green jersey.

[livehead1]

presuming ireland isnt fit -

Given

Finann
Dunne
McShane
Harte

Hunt
Carsley
Kilbane
Duff

Doyle
Stokes

O Shea shouldnt get into the team, i dont ever recall him having a good game for ireland, he is now 3rd choice centre half.

Hunt has to start, he has put in 2 blinding substitute performances and he has what most of the team have lost ... passion for the green jersey.


...any man with locks like that deserves a start

[zenokelly]

To break down Slovakia we need as physical a line-up as possible especiallt in midfield.

Therefore I would start:

Given
Finnan McShane Dunne Harte
Hunt Carsley Kilbane Duff
Stokes Doyle

However, Stan the man will probably go with this

Given
O'Shea Dunne McShane Finnan
McGEady Carsley Douglas Kilbane
Duff Doyle

I can't see any hope

[backstothewall]

I suppose the only fair way to do this is to pick from the squad Staunton has called up, but if i was starting again, i wouldn't start from here.

Shay Given (Newcastle), Nicky Colgan (Barnsley), Colin Doyle (Birmingham City), Paul McShane (West Brom), Richard Dunne (Man City), Steve Finnan (Liverpool), Ian Harte (Levante), Stephen Kelly (Birmingham City), Darren O'Dea (Celtic), John O'Shea (Man United), Kevin Kilbane (Wigan), Stephen Ireland (Man City), Lee Carsley (Everton), Jonathan Douglas (Leeds), Aiden McGeady (Celtic), Stephen Hunt (Reading), Alan Quinn (Sheffield United), Damien Duff (Newcastle), Darron Gibson (Royal Antwerp), Robbie Keane (Tottenham), Anthony Stokes (Sunderland), Kevin Doyle (Reading), Shane Long (Reading), Andy Keogh (Wolves).


But with the squad available,

Given
Finnan Dunne (c) McShane O'Shea
McGeady Carsley Gibson Hunt
Doyle Stokes

If Doyle hasn't got 90 minutes in his legs and will have to come off, I really have to question why there is not another big physical forward in the squad, like Ward or Lee to replace him with. I think dropping Duff might be the kick up the arse he needs, we can't afford any passengers on wednesday.

[Irish_Praha]

If Doyle hasn't got 90 minutes in his legs and will have to come off, I really have to question why there is not another big physical forward in the squad, like Ward or Lee to replace him with. I think dropping Duff might be the kick up the arse he needs, we can't afford any passengers on wednesday.

Keogh is 6ft but it would be a bit risky to give him his international début for this game. Then again it might work.

I think now that Robbie is suspended Connolly should be called up, if it's not against the rules.

My team:

------------Given--------------
Finnan--Dunne--McShane--Kelly
Duff--Carsley--Quinn--Hunt
---------Stokes----Doyle------

I wish we had someone better to play as a partner for Carsley but from yesterday's game I think Quinn would be a better option than Douglas. I'd put Ireland in there for the first half if he is not injured but I think we need a player that is a bit stronger on the ball for this game. If it doesn't work he should be taken off at half time. Hunt offers much more to the team than Kilbane.

[HolylandsMan]

Given

Finnan McShane Dunne O'Shea

Duff Carsley Douglas Hunt

Stokes Doyle

I hope Stan has the sense to abandon this crazy notion of playing both our full backs on the wrong side though previous experience suggests that even this logical step will be beyond him.

Duff has to play as I thought he showed flashes of his true form yesterday and we may need soemthing special against Slovakia. Hunt's performance yesterday means he deserves a start though I have little doubt Kilbane will pick up his customary starting position. If we are to beat Slovakia, we need to play with two strikers. 1 up front at home is just far too negative.

[Lionel Ritchie]

A note of caution in relation to Hunt -I seem to recall a burst of excitement when a young Kevin Kilbane first pulled on the green -that here was a player who liked "to run at the opposition" -that excitement gave way to worried suspicion that Killer could find a Cul De Sac on a spaghetti junction.

So far I've seen Hunt win a couple of frees off tired defenders making sloppy challenges and not a huge amount more.
Not putting the guy down now either ...or at least don't mean to.

[Scram]

He won't do this, but here: (O'Shea instead of Hare if you want)

We want to win this gane 1-0

Given

Finnan McShane Dunne Harte

Duff Ireland Carsley Douglas Hunt

.................Doyle

[Paddy Garcia]

Call up S Quinn now Stan

[BohsPartisan]

Know what you are saying LR but he deserves a chance IMO, and if he wins frees in dangerous positions he's worth the shot.

[clearskies]

given (if he is fit)

finnan
dunne
mcShane
harte
mcgeady
carsley
kilbane
hunt
stokes
doyle

[KopKiller]

I suppose the only fair way to do this is to pick from the squad Staunton has called up, but if i was starting again, i wouldn't start from here.

Shay Given (Newcastle), Nicky Colgan (Barnsley), Colin Doyle (Birmingham City), Paul McShane (West Brom), Richard Dunne (Man City), Steve Finnan (Liverpool), Ian Harte (Levante), Stephen Kelly (Birmingham City), Darren O'Dea (Celtic), John O'Shea (Man United), Kevin Kilbane (Wigan), Stephen Ireland (Man City), Lee Carsley (Everton), Jonathan Douglas (Leeds), Aiden McGeady (Celtic), Stephen Hunt (Reading), Alan Quinn (Sheffield United), Damien Duff (Newcastle), Darron Gibson (Royal Antwerp), Robbie Keane (Tottenham), Anthony Stokes (Sunderland), Kevin Doyle (Reading), Shane Long (Reading), Andy Keogh (Wolves).


But with the squad available,

Given
Finnan Dunne (c) McShane O'Shea
McGeady Carsley Gibson Hunt
Doyle Stokes

If Doyle hasn't got 90 minutes in his legs and will have to come off, I really have to question why there is not another big physical forward in the squad, like Ward or Lee to replace him with. I think dropping Duff might be the kick up the arse he needs, we can't afford any passengers on wednesday.

Has anyone actually seen Gibson playing? i dont know if he deserves a chance at international level, just because he plays (is contracted to) for man u, i mean look at John o'Shea...

[KopKiller]

Christ, just read that Shay is a doubt for wednesday ... thats all we need.

[ChrisRed]

Hunt and McGeady should start in replace of Douglas and Ireland, assuming Ireland is injured. Why Douglas, who is likely to be plying his trade in League 1 next year, was playing ahead of the likes of McGeady and Hunt is beyond me.
It seems to me Stan isn't a big fan of McGeady.

[brine3]

Given is doubtful, pity we don't have Paddy Kenny. (thanks stan) Maybe Dean Kiely could be convinced to come out of international retirement.

I'd play, assuming Ireland is injured...

....................Given

Finnan - McShane - Dunne - O'Shea

...........Carsley - Douglas

.......Hunt - McGeady - Duff

....................Doyle

But Killer is going to get in, isn't he.

Douglas will not be in League 1 next year. Leeds fans I know say he's the only thing that has kept the club from being relegated already.

[Bottle of Tonic]

Agree with that Chris. A few weeks ago we saw McGeady in the San Siro looking like he belonged on that sort of stage, yet Stan will shuffle players into unaccustomed positions to accomodate Douglas, an honest but limited clogger from a team going down to englands third tier. Hunt is worth a start too. He was nearly my man of the match and only played 15 mins. Says it all. Against weaker opposition like Wales and Slovakia we need the likes of himself and McGeady playing to commit defenders and create chances, not a midfield full of grafters who'll do nothing with the ball except pass it sideways to the full backs in order for them to fanny about on the touch line and eventually try and hoof it into the box. Worst game ever played at Croker I'd say.;)

[Qwerty]

Has anyone actually seen Gibson playing? i dont know if he deserves a chance at international level, just because he plays (is contracted to) for man u, i mean look at John o'Shea...

Only once, he reminded me of Ronnie Whelan. Potential yes. Ready no.

[Fergie's Son]

Sadly, Kilbane will get his game. He was useless yesterday. Hunt played well yesterday for the 15 minutes he was on. He didn't lose the ball. My seats were right by him and he's a tough enough tackler.

Staunton makes me ill. A 4-5-1 at home against Wales is a $@#@ disgrace.

Here's my team for what it is worth (assuming both Keane and Ireland are out):

Given


O'Shea (lb) McShane Dunne Finnan

Duff (lm) Carlsely McGeady Hunt

Doyle Stokes.


Won't happen though. Stan will put Duff up front....the muppet.

[eirebhoy]

Might aswell make this the pre match thread.

Slovakia's Matej Krajcik and Jan Durica Durika are suspended after picking up 2 bookings. I haven't a clue who either player is but anyway. They're also without their best player, Marek Mintal, who's injured.

[geysir]

Cyprus had their goalkeeper sent off at half time against Slovakia.
Less than 3,000 at that game, even after beating Ireland and drawing with Germany.

[McGinty]

it'll still be a strong Slovak side, remember these boys hammered wales 5-1 in Cardiff...

[Soko]

it'll still be a strong Slovak side, remember these boys hammered wales 5-1 in Cardiff...


And beat Cyprus 3-1 in Cyprus. They;d probably put 10 past San Marino too


As Long as he realises he MUST make changes. Saturday was dire and Duff is not a striker. McCarthy got away with as Duff was in the form of his life, he could have playe CB then and been world class. Make changes or we will embarrassed

[charliesboots]

he won't pick this team but this is who and how I think we should play from the squad that prat has picked.

--------------Given------------

Finnan--McShane-Dunne--Harte

-------------Carsley-----------
------Ireland------Kilbane-----

McGeady------------------Duff
-------------Doyle------------

[backstothewall]

Has anyone actually seen Gibson playing? i dont know if he deserves a chance at international level, just because he plays (is contracted to) for man u, i mean look at John o'Shea...


True, i suggest him because he plays midfield, i am led to believe he can be creative, and most importantly, he isn't Kevin Kilbane. If I had picked the squad Stephen McPhail would have been in it and would have been in that position

[paul_oshea]

Worst game ever played at Croker I'd say.

have to agree with this worst ever!!! Also worst ever fans at a game in croker no atmosphere. everytime i got up i was roared at to sit down, even when trying to get people singing. load of sh1te

[TheBoss]

This game is guaranteed goals, Slovakia always score and concede against any teams, You should never try to play for a clean sheet against these, it is about out-scoring them, if we have standard 4-4-2, we will score, 4-5-1, we will lose.

[Scram]

he won't pick this team but this is who and how I think we should play from the squad that prat has picked.

--------------Given------------

Finnan--McShane-Dunne--Harte

-------------Carsley-----------
------Ireland------Kilbane-----

McGeady------------------Duff
-------------Doyle------------


Like that selection a lot , and you're right , he won't pick it. :mad:

I'd have Douglas ready to come in for Kilbane but no problem with that 11 and formation, provided Duff and McGeady are told they have to work their respective bo!!ocks off to chase back etc.

[IsMiseSean]

A basic 4-4-2
Given
Finnnan, Dunne, McShane, Harte
Duff, Carsely, Ireland, Hunt
Doyle, Stokes

Stan is probably goin to pick the same team with Doyle in for Keane :o

I'm not looking forward to this game, I really think this could be a bad night :(

[Nailer77]

he won't pick this team but this is who and how I think we should play from the squad that prat has picked.

--------------Given------------

Finnan--McShane-Dunne--Harte

-------------Carsley-----------
------Ireland------Kilbane-----

McGeady------------------Duff
-------------Doyle------------


I'd probably go with much the same with maybe O'Shea instead of Harte (althought neither are anyway convincing) and Hunt instead of McGeady, I think he showed he can offer a direct threat in his cameo on Saturday.

If Stephen Ireland is out I'd probably go with Carsley and Kilbane in the middle with Hunt and McGeady either side and Duff up off Doyle.

[smellyfeet]

Given

Finnin
McShane
Dunne
Kelly

McGeady/Ireland
Carsley
A Quinn
Hunt

Doyle
Stokes

Time to drop the likes of Duff,Keane,kilbane and OShea and give the fringe
players the chance they deserve. Its been to long now that we have had to watch the 4 above not deliver the goods.It would be good for the others to get a start. Also it must drive them mad sitting on the bench watching whats going out on the pitch.

[geysir]

I'd say the big change will be the full backs switching positions.
If it's a stop Slovakia at all costs team, then it's 5 in midfield

Duff Carsley Douglas Kilbane
Ireland

I'd prefer Hunt to start instead of KK.

[elroy]

Hunt deserves a start for his recent performances. I think both Given and Ireland are going to be fit so wouldnt be at all surprised if he just makes the one change.

However, i have a feeling from what he said after the game that Douglas will be dropped with Carsley and kilbane in midfield, duff on the left, mcgeady on the right and Ireland playing behind doyle - a bit like the position he was in when we scored.

I could regret saying this but i think with Given behind this defence, we are pretty solid at the back.


Given
O'S McS Dunne Finnan
McG Carsley Kilbane Duff
Ireland
Doyle

If he does opt for Hunt instead of McG, Duff to start on the right, Hunt on the left.

[Scram]

I'd say the big change will be the full backs switching positions.
If it's a stop Slovakia at all costs team, then it's 5 in midfield

Duff Carsley Douglas Kilbane
Ireland

I'd prefer Hunt to start instead of KK.

Duff Ireland Carsley Kilbane Hunt

Would be my preference and 4-5-1 need not be negative, that's what we ended up with in Stede Paris when Morrison hobbled off and Reid came on, and we created a lot. Hunt and Duff will go at the defence (obviously!) and Kilbane running up the middle would scare any team.....even more so if he brings the ball with him :) But seriously, I think that midfield is the strongest available.

[SeanieBoy]

A basic 4-4-2
Given
Finnnan, Dunne, McShane, Harte
Duff, Carsely, Ireland, Hunt
Doyle, Stokes

Stan is probably goin to pick the same team with Doyle in for Keane :o

I'm not looking forward to this game, I really think this could be a bad night :(

This has to be the best team at his disposal (are you playing Duff on the left or the right?).

You can nearly guarantee that Kilbane & O'Shea will be wheeled out again at the expense of better players, but we must nearly expect that at this stage.

[FootballsKing]

Considering Keane is out and Doyle not match fit, stokes has to start. He has the fearlessness and imagination to unlock the Slovakian defence that no other members of the squad seems to have, He will raise the tempo of the game (similer to hunt) and will get the crowd in full voice(again similer to hunt)

[Sumac]

Given
Finnan McShane Dunne O'Shea
Duff Carsley Ireland Hunt
McGeady
Doyle

But what do I know - I am not part of a world class management team!

[IsMiseSean]

This has to be the best team at his disposal (are you playing Duff on the left or the right?).

You can nearly guarantee that Kilbane & O'Shea will be wheeled out again at the expense of better players, but we must nearly expect that at this stage.

Duff on the right, unless Hunt as a right foot then duff would be better on the left

[Countyman]

If Wales made hime nervous enough to start with 2 destroyers in midfield and one up front then I would expect more of the same for a very useful Slovakia side.

I expect the exact same side with Doyle in for Keane and I expect a defeat if that is the case.

I would go with charliesboots team myself.

[NeilMcD]

Its a pity that Miller is not in the squad as I think a three man midfield of Douglas Ireland and Miller woudl keep the ball a lot better than Carsley Douglas and Kilbane might.


How about

Given

Finnan Dunne Mc Shane Kelly


Carsley


Ireland Hunt
Duff


Doyle Stokes.


But he will probably play Kilbane instead of Stokes and O Shea instead of Kelly.