Ireland v Macedonia - score prediction

I think this is the first time in a long time i have started a new thread - probably speaks volumes really :D

Completely back on topic -:

My prediction: I'm going for 2 -1, but I wouldn't be surprised with a 1-0.

I do fear a 1-1 though.

2-0

Keane & McGeady

2-1

Don't care if both goals come off Kevin Foley's backside so long as we win!

2-0. Been so long since a 2-0 win in a proper competitive game.

McGeady and Whelan.

I'll wait for the team sheet!

0-1 (Pandev 66)

2-0 Keane & Duff (after breaking his scoring drought against Wales)

My Head says 2-0 Macedonia. My Heart says 1-0 Macedonia.

Strangely optimistic about the game, it must be all this sunshine.

3-0 (Duff, Keane, Doyle)

We're massive favourites with the bookies.

Ireland 4 Macedonia 0

Really depends on the selections and tactics. If Clark starts ahead of Kilbane then it helps Duff and I see him winning the game for us. If Kilbane starts it immediately hinders Duff and I see us drawing the game. It will be a major mistake for us to get a single goal lead and try to hang on to that lead. So the tactics will also play a huge part. I'm hoping we get to 2-0 and hang on.

Can't see us not conceding. 2-1, a winner from Shane Long or (why not) James McCarthy off the bench.

2-1. Keano double.

I'll go 1-0 Ireland, to match the corresponding fixture in 1999. Back then it was a scrappy effort from Quinn (flicked from a goalbound Gary Breen header, as I recall). This time it'll be a scrappy effort from Doyle, as a wayward Gibson shot deflects off the back of his head and spins past the stranded keeper.

3-2 Ireland with us behind twice and not taking the lead til 80+ mins

Very optimistic about this one Im going
Ireland 3 - 1 Macedonia
Keane Pandev
Gibson
Long

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Lionel Ritchie

3-2 Ireland with us behind twice and not taking the lead til 80+ mins

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If the wheels did start to come off the at least this time we have players on the bench who are probably better than some of the players starting. Coleman, McCarthy, Long especially plus Walters and Fahey could all change the game. So 3-2 is a definete possibility especially against a team playing 4-3-3 away from home.

3-1

Doyle, Dunne & Keane.

This one has banana skin written all over it. 1-1

2-1 seems par for the course with Trap (Georgia x 2, Cyprus). Andorra was the first competitive win by more than one goal.

A draw is a definite possibility though. So I'll reckon on 0-0 and hope to be wrong.