I'm almost sure I read MON say 5 man midfield is almost certain.
Doyle can hustle upfront and is still a deadly header of a ball. And younger than Murphy as you say.
I'd be inclined to use Wessi away, for ball retention under pressure and to help nick an away goal.
Yeah I just wonder with Hoolahan if it's a case of one or the other. If so, I'd prefer to have him at home when it's hopefully all to play for.
I didn't know MON said that.
Something about Westwood sitting out training on the radio.
Looks like it:Originally Posted by DeLorean
If, as all evidence would suggest, Wes will only start 1 game, then I'd prefer it to be the home game. Play 4-3-3 at home, no room for Robbie. High pressing game so that if Wes does get it, it'll be in the final third where he can do damage.
It all boils down to the away leg though because whatever happens there dictates Mondays tactics. 4-5-1 is the conservative option and with what's at stake, the only option management could justify. The lone striker has to be able to hold it up, and Doyler, from what I've seen of him in the last few years, has lost a lot of his effectiveness in this area. I haven't seen much of Murphy to be fair though, there's probably not much in it. If one of them could do a job for 60-70 minutes and we could get something out of Shane Long off the bench, it'd be ideal. I really don't care who he picks in the back 4, midfield 5 away from home, as long as they play for the jersey on their chest. Westwood is the biggest call. His kickouts and distribution will take vital pressure off our back 4. Randolph has a great kickout too but I think Westwood would instill more belief in the back 4 as he has more experience.
So long is one of the few phrases that has made it into the English (or rather American) lexicon from Irish. That and hooligan, who I think were the same tribe as the Hoolohans way back.
Also Ooch Aye.
No Somos muchos pero estamos locos.
Hard to believe it'll all be over one way or another this time next week.
Maybe it won't be over until next July.
As regards odds, PaddyPower have us 16/5 to win which is far from generous. B/H are just slightly under evens to win (19/20) and draw 11/5. Haven't seen the odds on who they think will progress overall.
If we can keep it to within a goal I'd be reasonably happy.
Forget about the performance or entertainment. It's only the result that matters.
British bookie William Hill's odds to progress:
Ukraine 60-40 Slovenia
Norway 58-42 Hungary
Sweden 57-43 Denmark
Bosnia 56-44 Irish Republic
I was thinking today....since Doyle has been training and playing in that altitude for a while, he could be seeing a boost physically. His lung capacity will be a little above usual. Don't discount that! Colorado air is special.
No Somos muchos pero estamos locos.
I think there's much of a muchness between Murphy and Doyle. I'd go with Murphy myself. Very strong. Let\s not forget he deserved the goal against Scotland. Can be a real nuisance and probably physically a little more awkward than Doyle. Although Doyle is probably a slightly stronger runner. Has a replacement striker been called up for Long for 1st leg? I assume he won't be playing. Adam Rooney is playing well, although it's insignificant as whoever is called up will be 4th choice striker
Folding my way into the big money!!!
The closest of the four then.
Forget about the performance or entertainment. It's only the result that matters.
Ah, if Doyle is close to being the player he was a couple of years ago he is far classier than Murphy. He's also done the business for us plenty of times. If he made the final squad he's obviously training well, and if he wasn't doing well for Colorado, they'd have bounced him out of there like they did with Caleb Folan. I'd love to see Doyle start. I don't see a goal or even much of a threat in Murphy. I think he's a real donkey, albeit one that can finish like a thoroughbred at times. He's never scored for us though.
Is it pretty obvious at this stage that this will be the team?...
-------------- Randolph -----------------
-- Coleman - Keogh - Clark - Wilson --
Hendrick - Whelan - McCarthy - Brady
-------------- Hoolahan ----------------
--------------- Murphy ------------------
Don't you think they'll keep Hoolahan in reserve for the second leg?
I can see it being Keane and Murphy up top. I'd be surprised if Doyle was called back to start after a long time out and he's playing at the same level as Keane.
Aside from that, I'd fancy that side but there's the potential for McClean to play on the left, Brady at left back and two from Clark, Wilson and Keogh in the heart of the defence.
There's a reasonable doubt that Hoolahan will start and is Ward injured?
No, he came on for Burnley at the weekend.
Definitely a possibility and a decision I wouldn't particularly disagree with. I'm just going by Roy Keane saying that he would be physically able to play in the consecutive games and MON saying he'll more than likely play five in midfield, according to Stutts. Having said that, Keane was discussing Meyler at the press conference too so maybe he's an option in there.
Yeah, I fully agree re: Doyle to be honest.
He could definitely see this as a McClean type game but I kind of hope he doesn't.
Stephen Henderson called in to replace Rob Elliot.
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