O'Neill did well to pull victory out of the bag in Georgia. That must be recognised and, for it, he must be praised. We were on top in that game and my nervous fear towards the end was not of losing but of possibly not scoring by the time the ref blew for time. Poland beat Georgia 4-0 in Tbilisi, but I think it would be unfair to denigrate our tight result there on that basis; Georgia aren't a walkover when they're up for a game and ours was the opening game of the campaign.Originally Posted by geysir
Gibraltar was a picnic. Not sure how much insight can be taken from it really.
Germany was ectasy; a terrific result. We killed the game dead, absolutely stifled Germany to the point where they almost forgot how to play football and we nearly made it through with what we'd gone there for unblemished, bar a solitary lapse. When they took the lead, O'Neill made the changes necessary to get our equaliser. That must also be applauded.
He failed the Glasgow test. Admittedly, it was a close game that either side could probably have won had chances been taken, but a loss against a direct competitor, whilst not the end of the world, simply shouldn't have been on the cards; a draw would have us in a much more comfortable position right now and O'Neill failed on that account.
This is another massive test and I'm with you, geysir, in that I won't be fully convinced until O'Neill shows Poland (and Ireland, the nation) that we are genuine contenders for automatic qualification from this group. I don't think anyone has any concrete idea or certainty as to how O'Neill will approach this one as he hasn't really stamped a consistent style on things yet, but here's hoping he can prove his worth on Sunday and produce something penetrative.
I think it's a must-win and, thankfully, O'Neill has at least paid lip service to the need to attack in recent days/weeks. Failing to win won't put us out mathematically obviously but I think it'd be a good indicator as to whether or not we're up to qualification. I think a significant sense of my urgency is rooted in a desperate and weathered desire to see this team really re-plant itself in the spotlight and recapture the nation's imagination. Qualification is still very much in our own hands and I'd like for us to really grasp it by the balls. We'll see what transpires, but given our present position, it's up to us to do that, so we can't be playing it overly cautious waiting for mistakes and opportunities to arise. We must go out and make sure we create or force as many of them as we can ourselves. We need the boost after Glasgow and I fear a draw would only delay the petering out of the campaign that I think would inevitably come with such a customary and unremarkable result. Do we really deserve to go through if we can't at least look like beating our direct competitors at home? If we don't show that we're capable of doing the business on Sunday now that it really matters, I don't think we'll ever get round to doing what we need to in this group.
I'm gonna hope for a closely-fought 2-1 victory, although I fear it'll probably be a dreaded 1-1, which'll leave us thinking we did OK, but nothing to get very excited about. A loss is simply unimaginable. That'd be the end of it.
Last edited by DannyInvincible; 26/03/2015 at 5:55 AM.
I'd agree with most of that bar maybe the very start, which I think is a bit generous. The only guy I'd credit for the result in Georgia is Aiden McGeady. We were poorly set up, and I think looking reasonably comfortable in terms of not losing the game was a minimum requirement. We appeared the more likely winners, but a win didn't appear too likely! It was early days in fairness and by hook or by crook we got the result.
I actually found the Gibraltar selection quite refreshing in the sense that he demonstrated flexibility and it was well thought out, even if one eye was clearly (and rightly) on Gelsenkirchen. It certainly represented some sort of progress compared to Trap's rigidness even if the result was never in doubt.
Fully agree with your assessment of the Germany game, but Scotland was a heart-breaker, two steps forward ten steps back! The only allowance I would make is that we had some key players missing but it was no excuse really for his primitive and, dare I say, seemingly uneducated team selection.
I agree with Stutts also that Gibson's absence should pave the way for Hoolahan's inclusion. Obviously he's not a direct replacement but if O'Neill was thinking of a midfield three of Whelan, McCarthy and Gibson further forward then I think Hoolahan is a more favourable replacement than the likes of Quinn or Meyler. This is all assuming we're going to shift from the dreaded 4-4-2, which may be a foolish assumption.
From the midifeld that started against Scotland, we have our centre partnership out injured, one of our wingers after picking up a knock and the other short of match fitness. Not ideal but we have reasonable options at the same time which is a testament to our strength in depth if used properly.
Last edited by DeLorean; 26/03/2015 at 9:15 AM.
yes, I'd agree the Georgia assessment was generous alright. Scotland was very primitive and the only quality on display was on their side, not ours. But I think we can put out a better XI than that night even with some injuries. I actually think this game sees fewer injuries than usual and we have about 16 good enough players to choose from over the 90. I think Brady was in good form pre-holegate and a young lad like him will be fresh and sharp still.
Any optimism is based on MON being assertive in both selection and approach. I think he knows how to handle big home games of this sort. He certainly used to.
Tough game to call this one, but never bet against the Irish when people are writing us off.
I'd be more optimistic of getting a result with Mr Trapattoni in charge as we'd be more organised defensively as a team.
In contrast with the current management set up, who don't seem to have decided on a way to set up and style of play.
Do we have a go at Poland and risk being done on the counter attack?
Or do we keep it tight and look to get in behind them?
First goal is the key as in most games, but in games like these it can make a massive difference as the team that goes behind then has to come out more and play.
I really hope we turn up and win this game, my heart says a win but my head says a loss.
Either way I will be there in my compo premium seat, cheering the lads on.
COYBIG
Yeah well I suppose he has to be credited for making Celtic Park the fortress is remained until very recently. I remember his Aston Villa side were more of a threat on the road though, as they were more suited to counter attacking with their quick attacking players. It's unlikely that he'll turn the Aviva into Celtic Park or the old Lansdowne, but I'd settle for him turning it into a place that gives us a distinct advantage against teams of similar ability, as any team playing at home should have and something that's been severely lacking for some time.
Fair point actually. It was certainly refreshing to see us bang seven past a team, no matter how amateurish they might have been. A Trap team would have won that game 3-0 and most of us would still be recovering from the boredom!
Definitely took the wind out of our sails and is really soul-destroying as, had we drawn, we'd still be talking about riding that wave, but let's hope we can get back on that crest again.Fully agree with your assessment of the Germany game, but Scotland was a heart-breaker, two steps forward ten steps back!
You don't have a high-profile link to behind the scenes, do you? One would never have thought!
Is Quinny trying to tell us something?
Maybe...
------------------------------ Forde ------------------------------
-------------- O'Shea ------- Clark --------- Wilson ---------------
Coleman ---------------------------------------------------- Brady
I have this memory etched, or memories, of when we played back then it was always warm and sunny and we always looked so much more refreshing, it looked like a great day out, everybody seemed to be geared up and enjoying themselves much more, and the anticipation was always much greater, childhood naďvety probably but from mid 90s on I have never had the same sunshine outlook - results aside that is.
I'd agree Deloreans assessment about the games bar Germany, certainly Georgia was the Aiden McGeady show even though apart from that nothing much was done from anyone, himself included, on the pitch for the rest of the game. We were as bad as anything under Trap.
Germany's results have gone onto show the post world cup hangover has it the 2'oclock in the day point for them now, another few games they will be back on song. They have been very poor up to now since Summer last year. I think there is a slight arrogance that they don't need to over-exert themselves to get the wins they need and they are caught napping. Our result was good but put into context I'm not sure we did an awful lot of nullifying rather Germany nullified themselves. Certainly I don't think MON had much to do with it and it shows how bad we were in Scotland, as we went with the same approach.
Poland look a lot better than most we have entertained as 2nd/3rd seeds in a group in a long time, their scoring prowess so far is worrying given how dodgy at the back we can be from game to game. I think if we won this it would be bigger than any other home/away game since Holland 2001.
1-1 but i suspect we will be more attacking than most for a good 20-30 mins overall, I suspect we will get caught out at the back at least once, hopefully only once.
Last edited by paul_oshea; 26/03/2015 at 2:38 PM.
I'm a bloke,I'm an ocker
And I really love your knockers,I'm a labourer by day,
I **** up all me pay,Watching footy on TV,
Just feed me more VB,Just pour my beer,And get my smokes, And go away
I hope not! we need more than 5 players!
I'm a bloke,I'm an ocker
And I really love your knockers,I'm a labourer by day,
I **** up all me pay,Watching footy on TV,
Just feed me more VB,Just pour my beer,And get my smokes, And go away
Clark was bibbed in training today with Coleman, O'Shea and Wilson, so that looks like the back line. Keogh was unbibbed.
Looks a very good way to set up the side. That back 5 is a pretty good, PL level bunch. I'd also note that O'Shea, Clark and Wilson are all quite comfortable on the ball also. In fact, all three have played central midfield for a spell. Furthermore, it allows us to play 3 in midfield and have Keane and Walters up front (which I'd imagine will happen no matter what the formation, even if it's 4-3-3 then Walters will be expected to support Keane the most).
There's a bit of flexibility too if it doesn't work out i.e. revert to four at the back with Wilson and Coleman at full-back and Brady the left side of midfield or top left in a 4-3-3.
I don't have too much against Keogh but Clark is clearly a better option. I wouldn't like to see MON favouritism see Keogh on ahead of Clark. It's clear he loves McGeady and McClean but I can understand that because McGeady has won us matches and McClean hasn't let him down either.
While we are on the subject of Clark being a better option..
http://hereisthecity.com/en-gb/2015/...r-this-season/
What about Brady?
Edit:- Actually just tell us the team
Last edited by DeLorean; 26/03/2015 at 3:11 PM.
There was six on my list!
--------------------------- Forde ----------------------------
---------- O'Shea ----------Clark -------- Wilson -------------
Coleman ----------------------------------------------- Brady
------------------ Whelan --------- McCarthy ----------------
---------- McGeady ---------------------- McClean ----------
--------------------------- Keane ----------------------------
Not what I'd choose personally, more representative of MON's perceived favourites.
Last edited by DeLorean; 26/03/2015 at 4:05 PM. Reason: Too many players!
Ha, I was texted the above info and am guessing it was an educated guess based on a media photo, but am awaiting clarification.What about Brady?
Edit:- Actually just tell us the team
352 would be a real departure but would be a real statement and a stamp of MON's personalitee.
I'd still pick Shay over Forde though, much as I like and appreciate Forde!
With two attacking full / wing backs, does that not negate the need for proper wide players, calling for a more compact midfield, a playmaker like Hoolahan and two upfront?
................Given..............
........O'Shea Clark Wilson
Coleman.........................Brady
........McCarthy...Whelan.......
.................Wes..............
.........Keane Long/Walters
Yeah Forde is my third choice but I just think he'll play. That's true about the wingers and why it would definitely be pointless starting McClean and Brady on the same wing. McGeady is kind of different as he tends to drift infield and could create space for Coleman. I find it hard to see McGeady being left out unless he's looking very rusty in training.
McCarthy out acc.to Twitter.
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