Pointless even discussing a team at this stage. God knows who will be next to go down.
The good news is that a quick check on Wikipedia suggests it's causing just as much disruption to Bulgaria squad as ours. We at least have the advantage of being able to draft players in from relatively nearby.
I dont see horgan or Collins been our future, why not give idah another game and let Byrne play see if he can unlock a packed defenceQuote:
Originally Posted by Bielsa´s irish
Four players called up.Quote:
Originally Posted by backstothewall
▪️ Aaron McEneff | Shamrock Rovers F.C.
▪️ Graham Burke | Shamrock Rovers F.C.
▪️ Jack Taylor | Peterborough United
▪️ Troy Parrott | Millwall Football Club
Done alright the last time we played Bulgaria. I see no reason not to play him this time.Quote:
Originally Posted by liamoo11
Idah out due to injury
Idah returned to Norwich with an injury too.Quote:
Originally Posted by zero
Has there ever been an injury crisis like this?
Struggling to remember as many injuries even ahead of those pointless US tours
Joe Lapira getting his passport and boots ready as we speak.
It's mental at the moment. I really hope this whole thing is more stable before the World Cup qualifiers kick off.
This is essentially a scratch team at this stage. There's not going to be time for any real preparation beyond a basic strategy. Anything Kenny tried today will be null and void by Wednesday depending on who tests positive next.
I think it needs to be a case of throwing together a 4-4-2 on the day and hoping for the best. Set pieces could be vital so Hourihane or Brady should be on the field at all times if one of them ends up being available.
Don't joke Peanut!!
Time for the Great Reset ! ! !
I like mceneff. I thought there was a story saying he was sticking with the north whennhiscyounger brother at arsenal switched to us? Crawford was saying partott couldn't play 90 minutes so I assume that means Collins starting.Quote:
Originally Posted by nigel-harps1954
Out of curiosity, I've had a look at some of the stats from this nations league versus the previous one. It could well be argued that there was no Bulgaria in the previous group so it skews the stats a little, but it's not a massive difference and we've only played them once so far. I was curious to see if there's anything in the stats to suggest progress is being made and goals might be more likely to come. From the look of things there are definitely some significant changes.
Goals: 0.25 per game (1) in 2019, 0.2 per game (1) in 2020
Attempts: 5.25 per game versus 12.2 per game - significant increase
On Target: 2 v 3.4 per game, not insignificant increase
Off Target: 1.75 v 7, huge increase, obviously an issue with finishing but at least having shots
Blocked: 1.5 v 1.8, pretty similar
Corners: 3.25 v 4.2 not a major increase but still the best part of 1 a game which represents a chance of sorts
Possession: 38% v 52%
Pass Accuracy: 75% v 86% - both passing stats are a huge increase (accuracy was only 80% I think against Wales so dropped a bit but maybe a sign of trying more forward passes and going direct a little more)
Saves: 3.25 v 3 - so keeper a little less busy (not 100% on this stat because the old stats only had shots on target rather than saves so that's what I've used to compare)
Tackles: 2.75 v 3.8 - surprised by this but it appears we're making more tackles under Kenny
Conceded: 1.25 v 0.8 - Conceding less (we did concede 4 in one game the last time)
The fact we're having a lot more attempts at one end and our keeper is having to make less saves at the other, would suggest there has been progress and that if we can manage a goal off an arse or an elbow, more might be due.
Stats for this league here: https://www.uefa.com/uefanationsleag...nd/statistics/
For previous, went into the individual games here: https://www.uefa.com/uefanationsleag...eague-results/
That's quite interesting, and the attempts in particular is one I wouldn't have thought was the case from watching the games.
It does flag again though that we need a forward...
Is there anywhere that shows expected goals? It's a fairly major stat in analysis I think, but I don't know if the likes of Opta ever tweet it in general?
Infogol usually has xG, but the site is blocked in my office
Has Jonny Hayes retired from internationals, or is this a case of Kenny not being fussed on him?
And is the paperwork for Mark Sykes still outstanding?
Cheers - looks like it doesn't do Nations League though.Quote:
Originally Posted by tetsujin1979
Interesting stats above but let's not overlook we were dreadful in the last nations league campaign to the point it led to o'neill and keane's removal.
Jeez, if McEneff scores the winner after Jack Byrne has a nightmare @Lilywhite will be unbearable :)Quote:
Originally Posted by zero
Im sure its just coincidence but Browne and McClean both received Man of Match awards and then tested positive afterwards. Who is handling these awards, are they being tested, are they quarantining, who is doing the interviews? Its a joke of a COVID bubble