Republic of Ireland V France - Monday, 27th March 2023 - Euro 2024 Qualifier

[JR89]

O'Dowda ruled out and replaced by Brady.

[Trequartista20]

O'Dowda ruled out and replaced by Brady.

Bizarre.

Brady's only started one of Preston's last seven games, whilst Manning is statistically the best player in that position in the Championship.

[JR89]

Yeah between Brady and Manning I'd likely lean more towards Manning, similar with McClean and Manning as Manning has better ball delivery. I'd tip O'Dowda over all of them though for LWB though.

He further tweeted though that O'Dowda isn't 100% ruled out for tomorrow. Interesting that he said O'Dowda was a certain starter so might still feature on the bench if passed fit.

[pineapple stu]

Brady should at least give the French bad memories. Every bit helps

But yeah, we're not far away from not having Coleman, Brady, Stevens, Doherty or McClean and - well, what more can you say about the continued omission of Manning? Or the Latvia game could have been a good time to bring McNamara into the fold - an ever-present for a side in the Championship play-offs. (Though I think McNamara plays on the right rather than the left)

[JR89]

Brady should at least give the French bad memories. Every bit helps

But yeah, we're not far away from not having Coleman, Brady, Stevens, Doherty or McClean and - well, what more can you say about the continued omission of Manning? Or the Latvia game could have been a good time to bring McNamara into the fold - an ever-present for a side in the Championship play-offs. (Though I think McNamara plays on the right rather than the left)

I'd be looking to get Lyons in before McNamara. Covers both sides and going forward he's better than McNamara.

[pineapple stu]

Yep, no problems with that either. Maybe a little bit inexperienced yet at the level he's at, but certainly looks like one for the near future.

[Fixer82]

Manning and Brady should be in squad.
I like McClean but he’s terribly predictable. 9/10 he’ll drop the shoulder and try to swing in a left footed cross

[SkStu]

Just like Mitoma

[texidub]

One thing I would like to see on Monday --besides half the French team coming down with the flu-- is Kenny reacting quickly, if something clearly isn't working... positional changes first of course, but if he has to sub someone out as soon as the first half, I hope he does it rather than persevering with a player till the 70/75th minute as if we don't have other options available. Another vote for Ogbene beside Ferguson here too - don't know what he is like for Rotherham but he is lucky for Ireland.. and that's all that matters...

[Yard of Pace]

One thing I would like to see on Monday --besides half the French team coming down with the flu-- is Kenny reacting quickly, if something clearly isn't working... positional changes first of course, but if he has to sub someone out as soon as the first half, I hope he does it rather than persevering with a player till the 70/75th minute as if we don't have other options available. Another vote for Ogbene beside Ferguson here too - don't know what he is like for Rotherham but he is lucky for Ireland.. and that's all that matters...

First time for everything, I suppose.

I'd be happy with Ogbene or Obafemi.
I thought Obafemi and Ferguson linking up with Ferguson for his goal was a glimpse of what can hopefully become something regular. Fantastic anticipation and skill from them both.

[Kingdom]

Very excited for the game tonight - as is everyone I've spoken to. The optimist in me is saying there is something to get from the game tonight, but the pessimist keeps telling me it's too much to overcome.

It's a bright cold cold morning here i mBaile Atha Cliath, and it's due to be a nice evening by kick-off. That will help with the crowd, whether it helps on the pitch I'm less sure. A win tonight for France gives them 6 points from their 2 of their 3 toughest games of the group, which would make their job in the autumn more straightforward. That's why I'd expect them to 'go' for it tonight.

The important thing for us is to take the match in 15 minute blocks. Absolutely imperative not to concede early - try to get to h/t level and then start again, 15 minute blocks and stay in the game as long as possible. It'll be key to close their space - and i'd be happy enough to give them space in behind than to give them too much in front of us - particularly if we play 3 cb's. I like Rabiot as a player, but I don't think himself and Tchouamani are going to prise us open if we condense the pitch and the space to play in. And their two cb's are absolutely vulnerable when being run at, and when being targeted from out wide. In that regard it's a real pity O'Dowda has an injury.

Nerves will be shot as soon as the team is named. Have to believe that Bazunu, Doherty, Egan, Collins, Cullen, Molumby, Ferguson and Obafemi are going to play. After that it's down to injuries, fitness and game plan - 1 of Coleman or McClean; 1 of O'Shea or Andy O; and 1 from Knight, Hendrick, Ogbene or Smallbone (Italics is what I think he'll go with).

All weekend I can't shift the possibility that we get a really good result tonight and we'll go to Greece with something in the pocket in June. Here's hoping.

[weldoninhio]

Very excited for the game tonight - as is everyone I've spoken to. The optimist in me is saying there is something to get from the game tonight, but the pessimist keeps telling me it's too much to overcome.

It's a bright cold cold morning here i mBaile Atha Cliath, and it's due to be a nice evening by kick-off. That will help with the crowd, whether it helps on the pitch I'm less sure. A win tonight for France gives them 6 points from their 2 of their 3 toughest games of the group, which would make their job in the autumn more straightforward. That's why I'd expect them to 'go' for it tonight.

The important thing for us is to take the match in 15 minute blocks. Absolutely imperative not to concede early - try to get to h/t level and then start again, 15 minute blocks and stay in the game as long as possible. It'll be key to close their space - and i'd be happy enough to give them space in behind than to give them too much in front of us - particularly if we play 3 cb's. I like Rabiot as a player, but I don't think himself and Tchouamani are going to prise us open if we condense the pitch and the space to play in. And their two cb's are absolutely vulnerable when being run at, and when being targeted from out wide. In that regard it's a real pity O'Dowda has an injury.

Nerves will be shot as soon as the team is named. Have to believe that Bazunu, Doherty, Egan, Collins, Cullen, Molumby, Ferguson and Obafemi are going to play. After that it's down to injuries, fitness and game plan - 1 of Coleman or McClean; 1 of O'Shea or Andy O; and 1 from Knight, Hendrick, Ogbene or Smallbone (Italics is what I think he'll go with).

All weekend I can't shift the possibility that we get a really good result tonight and we'll go to Greece with something in the pocket in June. Here's hoping.

A goal difference of -6 probably and out of contention after 3 games. The usual Kenny campaign.

[tetsujin1979]

Really good hype video from the FAI, didn't quite stick the landing though

[backstothewall]

I'm a big fan of McClean but I wouldn't have him in the starting 11. His style of play in inherently risky. A red card or conceding a penalty would be a disaster.

That said, if we fall behind I would want him on the pitch as soon as possible.

[Fixer82]

Robbie Brady doesn’t make match day squad. Don’t understand that at all