Portugal v Republic of Ireland - Saturday, 11 October 2025 - 2026 World Cup Qualifier

[pineapple stu]

Kelleher
O'Shea
Collins
O'Brien
Coleman
Manning
Molumby
Cullen
Ogbene
Ebosele
Ferguson

Bit of an attacking threat - but I think more importantly a suspect defence. I could see this turning out like Stevens' last call in Paris for Coleman.

[Fixer82]

Starting 11 named

1. Kelleher
2. Coleman
3. Manning
4. O’Shea
5. O’Brien
6. Cullen
8. Molumby
9. Ferguson
20. Ogbene
21. Ebosele
22. Collins

Not sure what formation that will be

[Razors left peg]

Bit mad that so many lads who couldn't even make last squad start.

[SkStu]

Bit mad that so many lads who couldn't even make last squad start.

That’s the beauty of strength in depth.

[SkStu]

Starting 11 named

1. Kelleher
2. Coleman
3. Manning
4. O’Shea
5. O’Brien
6. Cullen
8. Molumby
9. Ferguson
20. Ogbene
21. Ebosele
22. Collins

Not sure what formation that will be

5-4-1 kinda thing I’m thinking. Ogbene and Ebosele wide outlets. Wing backs as full backs. You’d almost rather see Idah start with that kind of approach.

[McDee]

What's he doing then? A lot of defensive players on the park.

Hoping it's O'Shea, Coleman, OBrien centre back, manning/festy wing backs, Collins midfield with Molumby and Cullen and Chio behind Ferguson

[pineapple stu]

That’s the beauty of strength in depth.

Now that's sarcasm!

It mightn't have a formation as such - might be just link it into the channels for the two fast guys to chase and get to Ev.

5-4-1 what RTÉ reckon - which makes sense I guess

[Trequartista20]

Six defenders strung out across the pitch. Hard to make out what the formation might be and who might be playing where.

Molumby, Coleman and Ebosele, not good enough to make the cut for the 23-man squad last time, are now starting (?!).

Reeks of incompetence, desperation and of the coaching team simply winging it.

[liamoo11]

Bit mad that so many lads who couldn't even make last squad start.

Exactly

[liamoo11]

What's he doing then? A lot of defensive players on the park.

Hoping it's O'Shea, Coleman, OBrien centre back, manning/festy wing backs, Collins midfield with Molumby and Cullen and Chio behind Ferguson

Chio centrally as a 10 would be horrifying , he can't pass a ball

[pineapple stu]

Much and all as we're creating nothing here, we do at least seem half organised. I guess that's something after Armenia

[passinginterest]

Credit to Molumby he’s been really tidy and brave at times on the ball. The fact three players who didn’t make the last squad, Coleman, Ebosele and Molumby have been arguably the three stand outs does raise a few questions in itself!

[liamoo11]

Credit to Molumby he’s been really tidy and brave at times on the ball. The fact three players who didn’t make the last squad, Coleman, Ebosele and Molumby have been arguably the three stand outs does raise a few questions in itself!

Agree. Molumby willing to get on the ball and try and pass forward and hold that central area defensively. Ebosele and Coleman working well together. O brien very assured.

[pineapple stu]

Worst fears very much not materialising here. Still creating little and would expect a Portugal goal to settle them and give us no way back - but they don't really look like creating a proper chance at the moment.

Ogbene fairly snatched at that chance he was offside for - we need a bit of composure up front in games like this. Easier said than done, mind

[SkStu]

Immense performance. I think Molumby, Festy and O’Brien have shone. Really well organized all round though, great shape out of possession and super focused. Couldn’t ask for much more. Coleman has been great but perhaps too cautious at times in their half with the backwards ball to Jake instead of inside or out to Festy.

Itd almost break your heart in a way that they have this type of mindset in them. Well here’s hoping we can hold on.

[geysir]

Those 3 players that didn't make the last squad or weren't available for selection?

The flat back 5 is working really well, cm lacks bite and is powder puff at moving the ball forward, counter attacks are somewhat haphazard. All in all not bad so far.

[backstothewall]

Molumby has done well, but he was left out of the last squad on merit. That was his best 45 minutes in an Ireland shirt in years, possibly ever.

If that's a reaction to being left out of the last squad I'd say that's good management by HH

[geysir]

The game has echoes of october 2000 but then we had Roy Keane at full strut.

[pineapple stu]

Into the "squad depth" stage of things, where you wouldn't expect us to do well

Ogbene offering nothing this half - but who do we replace him with? Ferry, and move Manning up?

Edit - Johnston on, which makes sense. But for Festy? Was he carrying a knock?

[SkStu]

Into the "squad depth" stage of things, where you wouldn't expect us to do well

Ogbene offering nothing this half - but who do we replace him with? Ferry, and move Manning up?

Edit - Johnston on, which makes sense. But for Festy? Was he carrying a knock?

Yeah he took a tumble but was our best outlet. Ogbene is done. Probably looking at McAteer for him, you can’t put Ferry on here.

Idah for Ferguson too.