Republic of Ireland V Scotland - Saturday, 13th June 2015 - Euro 2016 Qualifier

**Charlie Darwin** · 12/06/2015, 1:44 PM

Originally Posted by paul_oshea

How come i got no thanks for mentioning first about mcgeady being out

We all thanked you when you first predicted it a couple of years ago

**paul_oshea** · 12/06/2015, 2:18 PM

No I checked you didn't you said i was wrong and begrudgingly accepted it later as a sidenote, like a page 33 apology in a paper.

**Charlie Darwin** · 12/06/2015, 2:21 PM

I've since learned never to question any of your predictions after I was left with egg on my face over Coleman eventually giving away a penalty.

**DeLorean** · 12/06/2015, 2:39 PM

**DannyInvincible** · 12/06/2015, 3:14 PM

Originally Posted by DeLorean

Great minds my ass

I can't speak for Bottle of Tonic but I was certainly putting his lack of energy and enthusiasm down to his age in my own mind, it was too obvious even to mention! Hasn't he been through a rough time personally as well, wasn't his wife sick for a while, and his good pal Robertson? I suppose these things make people reevaluate what's really important and put football in it's place. I don't know if this is the case though, might be over-thinking it. I think his fairly subdued tenure at Sunderland hasn't inspired confidence either, as there were already questions about him being past his best before he joined up with us. If he had taken over after Celtic, or even Villa, he would have seemed far more of a sure thing.

He seems to prefer a suit to the tracksuit now too. Harder to race up the touchline hopping and fist-pumping in something from Louis Copeland's. Perhaps he sees the less frequent international games, with all the fanfare and weeks of build-up, as more formal managerial affairs.

**paul_oshea** · 12/06/2015, 3:52 PM

Originally Posted by Charlie Darwin

I've since learned never to question any of your predictions after I was left with egg on my face over Coleman eventually giving away a penalty.

oh I thought it was long before that about the McGeady incident. no doubt selective amnesia there

you must like egg on your face or maybe just things on your face.

**Crosby87** · 12/06/2015, 3:54 PM

These chaps are not that confident.
http://tartanarmyboard.co.uk/forum/i...showtopic=5133

**tetsujin1979** · 12/06/2015, 4:06 PM

is a loss for Scotland as bad for them as a loss for us, as in they'll more than likely not qualify, and go into the fourth seeds for the 2018 World Cup?

**paul_oshea** · 12/06/2015, 4:56 PM

They're thinking is very similar to ours really which is surprising and very modest considering Scotland are far more attack minded and I said before the campaign I would be happy if we started playing more like them but a bit more mindful of defence.

have Scotland not been 4th seeds most of the last few campaigns anyway?

**geysir** · 12/06/2015, 5:07 PM

It's good news that McGeady is an available option.

**shakermaker1982** · 12/06/2015, 5:27 PM

Just read that McGeady has 76 caps for us. Wow.

Predictions then?

1 nil - Long

Hope I'm bloody right. MUST WIN. Aviva needs to be bouncing tomorrow and a fast start is essential. Until the Keane news about his two news I was thinking maybe MO'N would chance starting Keane and Long. Keane will no doubt still want to play but bloody difficult for Keane and his family.

**Crosby87** · 12/06/2015, 5:52 PM

This game is live on fox sports 2 meaning I dont have to get ripped off again. Im slightly erect over this lads.

**Olé Olé** · 12/06/2015, 8:34 PM

I've a horrible feeling it'll be a score draw, 1-1.

Buzzing for it though. The prospect of the atmosphere exceeding that of the Poland game is exciting me. The only thing that could excite me more now would be to see McClean, Long and Hoolahan all start.

**TheOneWhoKnocks** · 12/06/2015, 8:39 PM

Originally Posted by Olé Olé

I've a horrible feeling it'll be a score draw, 1-1.

Buzzing for it though. The prospect of the atmosphere exceeding that of the Poland game is exciting me. The only thing that could excite me more now would be to see McClean, Long and Hoolahan all start.

What a breath of fresh air that would be. Nobody slowing things down, getting dragged into a physical battle and playing into Scotland's hands. Three players who can keep things moving, exchange intricate passes, get crosses in and be an outlet for the full backs.

But it won't happen, will it?

**TheOneWhoKnocks** · 12/06/2015, 8:47 PM

John Giles: James McCarthy has the skill to do what Wes Hoolahan does but never delivers

http://www.independent.ie/sport/socc...-31298130.html

With that in mind, I want to see Wes Hoolahan in the team. No other player in the Ireland set-up does what he does.

I believe James McCarthy could do it. I believe he has the ability and the skills to do it, but he never actually delivers.

I know O’Neill said that McCarthy was a vastly improved player in the second-half against Poland and while I agree with that, I still think his performance level falls short of what it could and by now, should be.

How often do you see McCarthy point to another part of the pitch when Ireland are in possession? How often does he pass sideways or backwards? Far too often.

He should be the one putting himself in a position where team-mates look for him and want to give him the ball. Whenever someone in possession looks up, McCarthy should the first person he sees.

Roberto Martinez has been saying for a long time that McCarthy is slowly growing into his potential, but this lad is now at the point where we should be talking about substance rather than hope.

I’m not confident about this game and my heart wants the three points as badly as anyone, but my head tells me that it will be a draw, perhaps 1-1.

**DannyInvincible** · 12/06/2015, 10:08 PM

OK, I'm gonna go for a tight 1-0 victory for us with plenty of tension and nail-biting. McGeady to score the winner (if he plays; I can't see him opting out) to make up for Celtic Park and roared on by what will hopefully be one of the best atmospheres yet in the new Lansdowne. I'm buzzing for the game. Supremely jealous of those in Dublin with tickets right now. Enjoy!

**TrapAPony** · 12/06/2015, 10:17 PM

Obviously need a win but I am predicting a draw as that is all we seem to know how to do against sides of similar quality.

**DeLorean** · 12/06/2015, 10:33 PM

I don't have a prediction in me. I'm too scared to be positive and too excited to be negative. Plus I genuinely haven't a clue what way it's going to go. The dream would be to win by two, that would be like getting four points with the head-to-head situation. I'd be willing to settle for the three though!

**Fergie's Son** · 12/06/2015, 10:44 PM

Originally Posted by Crosby87

This game is live on fox sports 2 meaning I dont have to get ripped off again. Im slightly erect over this lads.

Sadly not on Comcast in Chicago. I will be on a flight from New York to Chicago so does anyone know a site that will do text updates? Otherwise I will be refreshing this thread!