Westwood
Christie Duffy Keogh Ward
Arter Whelan
Brady Hendrick McClean
Walters
The team I think O'Neill will go for. I hope he goes for Westwood in goal.
I wouldn't mind Hoolahan taking Whelan's or Hendrick's place but don't think ONeill will start him.
Last edited by Fixer82; 06/06/2017 at 9:04 AM.
I think himself and Arter can share defensive and offensive responsibilities in that system, both of their primary jobs would be to receive the ball and feed the three ahead of them as often as possible, along with crowding out the space in front of our defence (and Alaba in particular).
Hendrick has played similar roles for us in the past I think. The friendly at Craven Cottage springs to mind where himself and Meyler complimented each other perfectly, taking turns of sitting and attacking. Even in the Euros he played in a two man midfield for the Italy and France games, a prospect I wouldn't have been mad about but he did well. Hoolahan's presence practically gives our midfield an extra body, compared to playing two up up front, which I think suits Hendrick better as well.
Hendrick was outstanding as the designated holding midfielder in Derby's playoff against Hull last season, the only time I've seen him play that role on his own.
On the flip side, Gibson and Hendrick didn't really work as a two man midfield in Glasgow against Scotland. I think the side was set up poorly that night anyway though and the tactics were one dimensional.
Strangely enough, considering some of the recent question marks towards him on here, Kenny Cunningham has been signing his praises, saying he's reached a level where we are almost building a team around him!
https://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2017...in-irish-goal/Originally Posted by Kenny Cunningham
I just see this comment from O'Neill as well in the same article from The Examiner about the two goalkeepers. Could this have been aimed at Hendrick, as one of the few ever-presents at the Euros?
Originally Posted by Martin O'Neill
Our team looks a shoe in for a 4231 formation.
Kenny C when co-commentating on sunday, seemed to think (with bullet train rapidity) that if Arter was selected v Austria, it would be most certainly at the expense of Hoolahan.
O'Neill reverts to indecisive mood re goalkeeper 'dilemma'. Newspaper reports imply that Westwood has improved, therefore he's pushing Randolph. I think Westwood has just been consistent whereby Randolph has become more error prone. However, O'Neill goes on to say "Obviously I knew Westy at club level. He's a really talented goalkeeper. Just get his head right and he's great."
I don't know what to make of that, seeing as he's been consistently very good for the past 3 seasons. Go to Sheffield and get your head rightened?
He won't drop Randolph over dodgy judgment in a friendly. If he screws up Sunday his position will be up for grabs in the autumn but not before then.
" I wish to God that someone would be able to block out the voices in my head for five minutes, the voices that scream, over and over again: "Why do they come to me to die?"
Randolph has been dodgy all year, now he's been dodgy for us. I see a pattern.
McGoldrick is a doubt for Sunday: https://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2017...-austria-game/
Everyone else in the squad is fit, according to the manager.Originally Posted by Ed Leahy
" I wish to God that someone would be able to block out the voices in my head for five minutes, the voices that scream, over and over again: "Why do they come to me to die?"
McGoldrick now ruled out of the game. Leaves the squad having just two strikers now. Surely there's a case to call up Sean Maguire just to sit on the bench as a precaution a this stage now?
https://kesslereffect.bandcamp.com/album/kepler - New music. It's not that bad.
Arters interview was interesting today basically saying he felt they came more into it when Meyler came on for Whelan
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
Post Uruguay game, Harry was asked in general about the game.
“You always try to improve and hopefully when I do look back over the game I’ll be impressed. I try and learn off Glenn, he has played a lot at this level and for a lot longer than me so he has great experience international-wise and Premier League-wise; I really enjoy playing alongside him. I feel we really complement each other very well.”
if Whelan is fully fit, there's a very good chance he'll start.
An Austrian perspective on Sunday's game, courtesy of Georg Sander, editor of 90minuten.at: http://pogmogoal.com/republic-of-ire...isitors/24923/
I said above I had no idea which XI I think MON is thinking of. I'd say at this stage MON himself seems to have no idea! His comments have all been equivocal.
Daniel McD seems to be hedging his bets too.
http://www.independent.ie/sport/socc...-35792295.html
GK - some degree of doubt
Full-backs: certain I'd say
CBs: any 2 of at least 3 good shouts, if not 4 or 5 including Long & Pearse
Midfield: 3 out of 4 or 5? (GW, HA, JH, Wes, RB)
Wide: 2 out of 3 (RB, JMcC, JW as a wide right option and maybe JH)
Upfront: 1 out of 2, or 2 out of 2
If Alaba (as expected) plays in their central midfield, would it be worth having Whelan man mark him in a five man midfield? I don't think any of Hendrick/Arter/Hoolahan have the discipline to do that job, and it would mean sacrificing an attacking threat by asking them to do it anyway
Randolph or Westwood? ( very close but Randy to win out)
I would say its Wes or Jeff ( Jeff to win out) Arter and Whelo will start
O'Shea or Keogh or Long as well?
Anyone go to the open training session this morning? A family member went out with her son and she came back full of praise for the players after seeing how patient and friendly they were taking pictures and signing stuff for kids. Unfortunately, she didn't pick up any hints on who'd be starting in goal
You show me a good loser and I'll show you a loser - Vince Lombardi
Bookmarks