Bulgaria V Republic of Ireland - Thursday, 3rd September 2020 - UEFA Nations League

[ColourfulPeanut]

I'm happy with that except I'd have any other option instead of O'Dowda. He shouldn't have even been in the squad for me.

[Scrufil]

Interesting choice of team alright. Anyone know where someone might view the game online?

[passinginterest]

O’Dowda the one none of us saw coming. He’s obviously a super trainer in these camps because he seems to impress every manager. He’s shown flashes of quality, it’ll be interesting to see the shape and if he’s a bit deeper than Idah and Connolly. Looking forward to this.

[ifk101]

I think it's a tad early for Idah to be a senior international but good luck to him. And I like the O'Dowda pick - if it's a continuation of how the U21s played under Kenny.

[Olé Olé]

I'm assuming O'Dowda is picked with the intention of him showing pace and work rate on that right hand side, especially when Doherty goes forward.

[geysir]

With this 433, I hope we do okay with it, but at the same time that it's exposed for being a formation on the wayward path and that Kenny accepts our real truth in future lies with 4231.

[BonnieShels]

I suppose this is the catch with fewer friendly games alright.

If you think of Mick McCarthy's first games - you hadn't heard of half of those players. Some worked, some didn't. By the time of the first qualifier, we had a decent side already, including Harte, O'Neill and others.

It'd be an interesting line-up for a friendly. But if there aren't any, then I guess we have to just throw the guys in at the deep end for what could be a key enough game in the group.

But let's see how it goes. Maybe it's the covid talking, but I haven't looked forward to a game this much in a long time.

I have logged in tonight to say almost exactly that.

Really looking forward to this game and really happy with the side put out. As Kingdom says abnove, change may as well come now, because there is never a good time.

Also, howya lads!

[pateen]

Any stream for the game lads?

[NeverFeltBetter]

Not too shabby so far. Think Idah is doing well.

[boovidge]

Any stream for the game lads?

soccerstreamsz dot com

[centre mid]

Ref is awful but decent start from us. Front 3 looking sharp, Doherty finding it a bit tougher than i thought to get into the game. Good pressing from midfield.

[passinginterest]

That press from Ireland is beautiful. The Bulgarians are really struggling with it. Great to see us holding possession too. Hasn’t quite clicked in final third yet.

[shakermaker1982]

McCarthy not at the races so far. Very sloppy in possession.

[passinginterest]

I like Duffy but he’s such a weak link trying to play out. He’s made some woeful passes in dangerous areas.

[passinginterest]

McCarthy not at the races so far. Very sloppy in possession.

Yeah he’s had a few heavy touches and lost it cheaply too. He’s a big part of the shape and getting the press right though.

[Nesta99]

Duffy is an old fashioned centre half with Ireland. No harm in that at times. Kenny stamp is obvious already with only a few days with the squad. Onwards and upwards imo. No helter skelter stuff - great for the purists nd not just as seat of the pants stuff hoping for a ball to break, So far so good but not crated much in the final third.

Need to be more clinical with chances like that cut back and O'Dowda should have done a bit better.

At least the is an obvious struture, game plan, style and I would even say composure in possession. Its been a while for that. Randolph even same to have licence to be a sweeper keeper!

[Scrufil]

Methinks if offside not given penalty for Bulgaria at the box.

[centre mid]

60% possession in the first half, I dont think we had that against Gibraltar.

[Scrufil]

Are 5 subs allowed?

[zero]

interesting game. we are the better side but they've nearly got in on 2 or 3 occasions.

idah growing into the game a little bit but he will need to do more.