Sorry Kingdom - McShane's in the squad too.
Agree with you most of the way, except I'd say Long played well in Slovakia. I'd also say it has to be Hunt to start, because Kilbane is almost certain to play and McGeady will offer zero protection.
Ou-est le Centre George Pompidou?
I'd possibly go with Fahey over Andrews who I've always felt to be a bit anaemic. Otherwise, I'd be pretty confident with that as our starting line-up, Kingdom. Ward didn't put a foot wrong against NI, but then it's hard to judge really when the opposition was as poor as they were. I'd give him another go at left back against Scotland and decide who fills the position for Macedonia based on that. Scotland should provide a sterner test. Our defensive back-up isn't all that deep which is obviously a major concern, especially if someone aggravates something or picks up a knock within the next week and a bit.
What was Gibson's last game for United? Was it his blinder against Schalke? I suppose it would have been preferable if Fergie had given him another outing or two to see if he could maintain that level of performance and prove it wasn't just a flash in the pan.
How far down the forward pecking order does everyone reckon Ward is?
The kind of impetus Coleman*, McGeady and Long provide, as well as Robbie's record-chasing thirst for goals would form the basis of my confidence in that team getting a result. Macedonia are very ordinary too, albeit home advantage might rev their level a bit. Anyone know if Pandev has blessed them with his presence for this game?Originally Posted by Kingdom
*I think Trap might favor Fahey or put McGeady on the right to accomodate Hunt ahead of Coleman. I'm not sure he has that 'crucial away qualifier' trust in Seamus just yet.
[QUOTE=SwanVsDalton;1490488]La-de-la-de-la, we'll see about that. Security is very lax over in Ringsend garage, nothing a rogue 11A wouldn't sort out....Sorry Kingdom - McShane's in the squad too.
I remember being underwhelmed by Longy's performance over there - didn't have the same zip he had after the cameo against the Russians - but to be fair to him, he did have the face kicked off him by Durica for 90mins.Agree with you most of the way, except I'd say Long played well in Slovakia. I'd also say it has to be Hunt to start, because Kilbane is almost certain to play and McGeady will offer zero protection.
Also are you advocating dropping McGeady? Not sure if serious?
Here they come! It’s the charge of the “Thanks” Brigade!
I'd be really surprised - gobsmacked actually - if Kilbane was dropped for this game, even despite Ward's performance. Defence will be a bit patchwork and his experience, not to mention decent display last time out, should ensure his presence. Ward's not far down the pecking order mind.
As for Fahey, I think he's behind Gibson for a similar reason - Gibson did OK last time and Trap wouldn't see much reason to change it up. Between him and Andrews in centre mid for me. Andrews can drift in and out, but he tends to be the most physical and tenacious centre mid at our disposal and it'll be needed in Skopje.
Haha no way! Meant McGeady on the right, Hunt on the left and Coleman missing out. As for Long, thought he was quite decent in the first half if I remember though his contribution certainly suffered after he got smashed in the face.
Ou-est le Centre George Pompidou?
He was an unused substitute at Inter for their last couple of games of the season, but I'm not aware of any injury concerns or anything. Rumour has it he'll join Napoli this Summer.
I've a feeling that he will revert to his tried and trusted myself, and Andrews doing well the other night will probably confirm to him that GW & KA are his best options in the middle. I don't get the impression that he totally trusts Fahey, and I know he doesn't trust Coleman. He is a fan of McGeady and I would be astounded if he doesn't start him. It's a toss up between Keith and Hunt for the other slot, although I'd be as happy to have Coleman as I would Hunt. Hunt is the proverbial impact player for me - he causes panic and creates chaos. If we were chasing something in Skopje, I'd be happy to see him being brought on from the bench.
The Scotland game is interesting on so many levels (I jest not!). They are starting to look a tidy side - they like to knock the ball around and while they have a few flawed squad players, they aren't a bad side. How we cope with the 5 man midfield will be interesting, and in particular who gets stuck into Charlie Adam, the kind of technical player we can struggle against.
They're weak at the back and if we get any kind of foothold in midfield I'd fancy Keane, Long, Cox, McGeady and Coleman to go to town on them.
In a way the play-off's are a god-send. Killer won't play against Scotland, which should mean Ward gets another shot - probably up against Steven Morrison - and if he does well again, then he has to be considered against the following week.
Here they come! It’s the charge of the “Thanks” Brigade!
I know the opposition was substantially weakened, but I thought Andrews was really good on Tuesday. Mobile, athletic and putting in tackles. He's what Trap wanted to get out of Paul Green. I think Andrews has a great chance of making Macedonia, at Gibson's expense.
I think this is my team:
-------------Given-------------
AN Other--O'Shea--Ledger--Kilbane
McGeady--Whelan--Andrew--Hunt
-----Keane---Long-----
I'm not sure who I'd pick at RB: Kelly, Coleman and Foley are all candidates, though I think Trap will choose McShane.
If Ledger isn't 100% I think Delaney would complement O'Shea.
Midfield & wide subs are decent: Gibson, Fahey, Lawrence, Treacy, Coleman.
Short of options upfront, but Keane & Long may not need replacing. Cox will get another chance on Sunday. Ward might get a look in as the big guy upfront at some stage.
Not as gloomy as the non-showing fiascos suggest. We need O'Shea and Long to stay fit though.
An uncharacteristic slip up on the lead up to a crucial fixture on your part, Geysir.
I now fear the cruel sporting Gods may reap a terrible revenge for this feeling of confidence.
This will set in train a series of apocalyptic events that will, in time, be traced back to post #100 in the "Sqaud to face Norn Iron, Scotland and Macedonia" thread.
Quoting years at random since 1975
Good team in fairness. Trap will surely go for Foley at RB though? Manager nearly always picks the man in possession of the shirt. And if he chooses McShane I'd have to question everything - not just whether Trap is a decent manager and the direction the side's going, but also whether or not this is real or some kind of horrible nightmare.
Ou-est le Centre George Pompidou?
I hope Foley gets the nod at RB.
Quoting years at random since 1975
Macedonia having to deal with McGeady, Hunt, Long and Keane all night sounds good to me. The game being played in the evening and out of the heat is a bonus.
Your first point is something that has bugged me from the other night - the weakness of the opposition. We played really really well, and the players all looked comfortable on the ball and knocking it about - but behind it all is the nagging suspicion that it was more to do with them than it was us. However, some of the facets that instigated the good play - harrying (!), tracking back and generally being a nuisance [Cox and Treacy] - aren't dependant on the oppostion, but on our own willingness to give 100% and take the opportunity presented to stake a regular squad/team place. In this respect, the lads did all they could ask, and when they had the ball they generally used it well.
The other thing is that the North had a weakened team, but so did we! Ward, Delaney, Foley, Coleman, Treacy, Cox, have a few caps between them, yet they controlled the game and the tempo. That in itself is impressive.
What i like about Andrews is that he is one of a handful of our players that constantly strive to show how much playing for his country means. Remember the home game against "them"? Diarra upset him, and he was like a man possessed in the return game, without losing the cool, and bossed the game with his partner in crime Whelan. That impressed me, to say publically that you were hurting and wanting a chance for commupence and then following through on it. Satisfying.
He has a few decisions to make Trap; right back, left back and then two of the midfield positions. I'll be both disappointed and surprised if he gives McShane the nod in Macedonia. It's one from Hunt, Fahey, Treacy and Coleman for the wing, and I'd say Hunt will get the nod, given his ability to switch wings with Aiden, something they seem to encourage. That said if either of the Treacy or Coleman got the jersey I'd be happy out also.
It certainly isn't as gloomy as the media would like to portray, but then again, they're never f'in happy.
Here they come! It’s the charge of the “Thanks” Brigade!
Trap sweating on O'Shea coming through unscathed on Saturday - as are all of us!
http://www.independent.ie/sport/socc...t-2659550.html
I'm confused. So why was St. Ledger on the bench the other night if he's been suffering from a long-term injury he picked up in March?
Maybe we just had to have the appearance of having a replacement available on the subs bench.
There doesn't seem to any suggestion him or O'Dea are fit but they were both there. As Geysir says, probably appearances sake though maybe both are edging towards fitness? Don't think much has been released about their status.
Ou-est le Centre George Pompidou?
Hmm, getting tighter now. The centre back pairing for Sunday takes on greater emphasis - if he picks the same pairing again, then surely he's considering the two for Macedonia? Would mean no moving Josh from the rb slot.
If he does pick the centre partnership he intends to start with in Skopje, surely he'll pick the centre midfield pairing to start in Skopje too, to get them moving in tandem?
If ever we needed a bit of luck on the injury stakes....
Here they come! It’s the charge of the “Thanks” Brigade!
Delaney did well, even if it wasn't a demanding task against NI.
One thing I liked was that he wasn't shy to take control of the defense.
We didn't need a defence against NIbut we'll see how Delaney gets on against the Scots.
But imo JoSH has to play in the center. Easily the most experience and accomplished defender in the current squad. I'd partner Kelly with JoSH against Macedonia but it seems O'Dea is favoured by Trapattoni.
Posting Permissions
Quote
Bookmarks