League of Ireland in Europe 2019

**paul_oshea** · 07/08/2019, 9:52 AM

McEleney and hoare shouldn't start. Murray has been much more effective when hes come on for Hoare.

Agree with all you've said above, I think the Rovers game is the biggest disappointment cos they could have been out of sight from the first leg with that header to go 3-1 up. Plus they played better. Someone was saying they have 43 goals this season but in Europe they really did create limited chances, they were clinical to be fair what little they did create they scored from. Their set piece was very good but to win those kinda games you need a proper striker. Someone like twigg was or Mcmillan for Dundalk.

Anyway Good luck to DUndalk tonight, seeing how the other results have panned out they should really be looking to win this over the two legs. A score draw would be a great result tonight. I just hope their confidence hasnt been dented by Qarebag, because as pointed out they were in the tie for 165 minutes of a possible 180.

**Ezeikial** · 07/08/2019, 10:53 AM

I think that the team selection issues are pretty much the same as they were prior to the Qarabag match even if the tactics and approach that VP wants to adopt are different

The fitness levels of Sean Murray is likely to determine a lot of the issues. If he is fit enough to start the questions are

Central Defence - Two from Hoare, Boyle and Cleary. That's a tough call although Andy Boyle is a probable starter

Left Back - Massey or Jarvis. Either player could get the nod. He may opt for Dane Massey to keep Dean Jarvis fresh as midfield cover

Midfield
- if Sean Murray is not fit enough, McEleney and McGrath could occupy the 8 & 10 positions

- If Sean Murray is fit enough to start, McGrath, McEleney and Mountney will complete for the No10 and right wing position with only Jamie McGrath sure of his place. Is the John Mountney press conference appearance a VP bluff and will he go with McGrath and McEleney?

Predicted Line up
Rogers
Gannon | Hoare | Boyle | Massey
Shields | Murray
Mountney | McGrath | Duffy
Hoban

Likely planned substitutions - McEleney, D Kelly, Jarvis

**RathfarnhamHoop** · 07/08/2019, 11:42 AM

Whatever Dundalk do they shouldn't play a defender in midfield, changes the whole mentality of the team negatively. Dundalk play as well as we know they can they should really fancy their chances of a result today

**oriel** · 07/08/2019, 12:08 PM

Rogers
Gannon | Hoare | Boyle | Massey
Shields | Murray
Mountney | McGrath | Duffy
Hoban

This has a nice balance to it, but it has McEleney dropped, he was very disappointing v Qarabag away, as was Duffy actually, but thats one area we do not have a second choice for, left wing.

VP might be tempted to stick with McEleney though for his experience, but he will have to do a lot better, if he does the line up might be like this.

Rogers
Gannon | Hoare | Boyle | Massey
Shields | Murray
McGrath | McEleney | Duffy
Hoban

I'd be having young Daniel Kelly on early in the second half to get at them, crosses into the box were in short supply in obth away games to date, and Kely made a big diff when he came on in Riga.

Murray needs a massive game tonight in the middle, Benson looked rusty away to Riga, gave the ball away twice in the opening minutes, he's meant to be available for the return leg, but not sure he will be a starter, Murray can keep him out with a big display.

Still think we need to score tonight to have a chance.

These suggested formations are tough on Cleary who had a fine game against Qarbag away, so I won't be surprised if he is retained at the expense of Hoare, I'd probably go with Hoare though, its a tough choice to make for VP.

**BonnieShels** · 07/08/2019, 12:15 PM

I found myelf at a Slovan game back in October in the old stadium. My God that was an experience. Great city though.

Can see Dundalk getting through this. HON the TOWN!

**Ezeikial** · 07/08/2019, 1:50 PM

Originally Posted by paul_oshea

I think the Rovers game is the biggest disappointment cos they could have been out of sight from the first leg with that header to go 3-1 up. Plus they played better. Someone was saying they have 43 goals this season

Shamrock Rovers do have 43 league goals this season

While their goal difference is decent, they are lagging in 3rd place in the goal scoring list currently.

**paul_oshea** · 07/08/2019, 2:03 PM

Originally Posted by RathfarnhamHoop

Whatever Dundalk do they shouldn't play a defender in midfield, changes the whole mentality of the team negatively. Dundalk play as well as we know they can they should really fancy their chances of a result today

Funny i was going to reply to this earlier saying theyve only played 45 mins of good football, so thats the big if. Or if not good to what looked like their ability. I've just read this now - https://www.independent.ie/sport/soc...-38381651.html

**paul_oshea** · 07/08/2019, 6:15 PM

How does Pat fenlon think these lads are not as good as Riga

**osarusan** · 07/08/2019, 6:18 PM

Any stream other than skorlive?

**paul_oshea** · 07/08/2019, 6:53 PM

Eir sport 1 check. The commentary is behind. its really anonying

**paul_oshea** · 07/08/2019, 7:22 PM

Lucky not to concede a pen there.

**SPXcyan** · 07/08/2019, 7:42 PM

The home fans are becoming restless, Dundalk just about holding strong.

**passinginterest** · 07/08/2019, 7:58 PM

That’s been coming in all fairness. Dundalk decent in patches, but not great overall. Probably should have conceded at least one pen for the handballs.

**ger121** · 07/08/2019, 7:59 PM

**** sake!

**blueblood** · 07/08/2019, 7:59 PM

Dundalk letting them have the ball too much not good enough just trying to close them down 30 yards from goal

**paul_oshea** · 07/08/2019, 8:04 PM

I'm not sure Dundalk do have that extra level over these 3 games now they've rarely done anything apart from stellar defending down the other end. Unfortunately I think that's it now too difficult overturn this at home.

**passinginterest** · 07/08/2019, 8:05 PM

Good response from Dundalk. Incredible save by the Bratislava keeper to prevent the away goal.

**paul_oshea** · 07/08/2019, 8:06 PM

Originally Posted by blueblood

Dundalk letting them have the ball too much not good enough just trying to close them down 30 yards from goal

Exactly under kenny they would have played some ball. They seem happy to sit back and try and soak it all up and they're not good enough defensively

**DFCForever** · 07/08/2019, 8:07 PM

I think that's harsh on us, but I see no reason why we can't turn it around next week.

**osarusan** · 07/08/2019, 8:08 PM

Thought they would hold on, Slovan actually created very little for all the possession Dundalk were happy to let them have.

Still alive, and enough in the last 5 minutes to suggest Dundalk can create chances if they attack a bit more.