Originally Posted by
Nesta99
Maybe its me projecting on the pessimism of a **** up lol or maybe Larnaca or Sava's misskick v St Petersbug lingers in the back of the mind. I dont think there is overconfidence now though especially after Larnaca. I was hopeful on that tie after the home 0-0, I let myself 'expect'. Kenny's motivation coupled with previous performances against more fancied clubs maybe we did become overconfident to an extent, not arrogantly but buying in to SK's 'belief' - a year previous Kilduff's missed sitter to put Rosenborg out and how they threw away beating Celtic, so Larnaca...we can handle them:( Prior to Larnaca Irish sides had played Cypriots 15 times won 7 drawn 2 so while we knew Cypriot football had progressed not to the extent of a 4-0 defeat. It's not that relevant but I think if we were playing that game again that we would perform better certainly more cautious; hopefully it will be of some benefit to Rovers in the way we were grounded with a nice bump that evening, they certainly wont underestimate them if we did last year.
Looking at footage of Qarabag they have a lot of pace, play intricately cutting both inside and out on the wings with ease so any going to ground or lunging in and we'll be in trouble. All the previous European experience will need to be called on. Having Boyle back could be a game changer as if we had to rely on Garts his lack of pace would be exposed. Will be key to have Shields fit to start, Benson's ability to influence the pace of the game could be important or maybe Murray's energy getting about the pitch. McEleney needs to turn up with his own bit of magic. Duffy and Kelly on the wings might just worry them enough not to overload with their full backs. Jarvis or Massey is a toss of a coin as they each have their strengths - maybe Jarvis as the pacier of the two but we lose how effective Massey and Duffy link up. Of course Hoban needs to be sharp not only with chances on goal but as an out ball and hold it up well.
On Hoban, after the penalty shoot-out he seemed to head straight for the tunnel where every other player charged toward Hoare and to the Dundalk fans. Maybe he was over after as the coverage ended quickly without any punditry. He may be doing the professional job and was giving plenty of encouragement in the Captains role but doesnt seem a happy chap at all imo, body language is just off eg he doesnt celebrate a goal like a man on a mission compared to last season - has he dropped the 'Hobanator' celebration too as I havent noted it.