Evra will start regardless....I dont think the french are anything great at the back and we should really be a threat on setpieces. We need to have a fully fit team for both legs...
McGeady showing good form for Celts and hopefully Duff will recover...With those 2 fit and Keane and Doyle up front we have every chance....
If you look at back at the Italy games home and away and Bulgaria home and away, we could have taken full points but for individual errors...Time to be positive....We have arguably Europes best keeper too.
In Trap we trust
confirmed on soccerrepublic, in a note about Saha's performance at the weekend: http://soccerrepublic.eircom.net/New...que-3-nov.aspx
perhaps on the verge of a recall to the French squad but with the squad announced on Thursday, it may be too late.
The one guy I particular fear above others, particularly considering his past record to pull it out of the bag when needed is Henry. I know hes not 100% fit at the moment but looks as though he will make it.
Thing is the sum of the parts has not performed to its potential for France for the last few years. If France perform as a team to their potential, they will beat us. However, the same couldve been said of Italy, yet we came away with two credible results are were not overrun in any game, primarily due to the organisation of our team imo. I think its important we dont let the french get their confidence up against us or else they could run riot.
According to the reports in the french media, they are concerned about our strength from set pieces as this is an area the french are weak under. They are also concerned about the tactical superiority of Trap to Dome.
This is by and large the same french team that lost twice to Scotland in the last campaign.......we can win this playoff....believe!!
Gael Clichey is out and would have thought he would have been pushing for a start!!
Yes! Clichy may be irrelevant looking at the last team as per my post below, however every little helps!
Could someone organise a friendly between France and Birmingham before the 14th please??!
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FRANCE: Mandanda – Sagna, Gallas, Abidal, Evra – Govou, L. Diarra, Toulalan, Henry (cap.) – Anelka, Gignac
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Benzema looked tres dangereux last night in the CL and will be someone I fear coming on as a sub. He was hacked at one stage but not seriously, unfortunately!
On Evra - Im not sure McGeady has the beating of him - It will be really tough, he's a solid defender but also gets forward a lot which I think will push McGeady back - I suppose this further supports the notion that Lawrence may well start.
Also - I read the article on Gignac a player I knew nothing about. Comes across as a down to earth type of guy but a real handful on the pitch from the sounds of things. Is St Ledger up to the physical task?
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/...257769773.html
Is there a thread on the merits of the French Squad that Ive missed?
I thought you were off the drink Ronnie?
"No, I drink to help me mind my own business....can I get you one? (c) Ronnie Drew
Henry is on for Barca, just hit row Z after being put through by Messi.
Given, Dunne, Keane, Doyle all through unscathed by the looks of it, thankfully, all important players for us.
Best, Andrews and Sledge ok too.
Now we just need JOSH, Duff, Kilbane, Whelan, Hunt, Lawrence and McGeady and our first choice XI will be available.
Diaby also confirmed out of play offs now, keep the list growing please!!! I know he was unlikely to play but still
Its really not that complicated!!!
Olympique Lyonnais destroyer Jeremy Toulalan may not feature for France against the Republic of Ireland at Croke Park on Saturday because of an adductor problem.
http://sports.yahoo.com/sow/news?slu...goal&type=lgns
Meanwhile, Abou Diaby, who club manager Arsene Wenger has said will miss the next three weeks, has been declared fit to stay with the French squad by Raymond Domenech, doubtless attracting the ire of the international game hating Arsenal boss.
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