Republic of Ireland Team 2023/24 [old thread]

Is the Aviva going to be near allowed capacity? I've heard there are a good few unsold tickets.

I'd rest Coleman for this one. We shouldn't need him to beat Azerbaijan, he was a real threat to Portugal for 60 minutes and I think we need need him as fresh as possible for the Serbia game. Doherty was knackered too late on against Portugal, but we need a fresh Coleman more than a fresh Doherty against Serbia and we don't have anyone else who can play RWB to rest them both.

I'd also leave out Connolly cos these guys are probably going to sit back and there'll be no opportunity for him to use his pace on the break. I'd go with Robinson or Parrott instead. Finally I'd also leave out Hendrick. Played ok against Portugal, but his main asset is his running and energy. Again, we shouldn't need that so much against Azerbaijan. Bring Molumby in for him, or maybe drop McGrath deeper and play with three forwards (Robinson, Idah & Parrott).

I'd start Coleman but try and get him off early. He's still our best player going forward. We'll need him linking up with lads like Robinson to try create chances. This game is more important than Serbia.

Doherty apparently wasn't feeling well so probably added to him feeling knackered. So I'd start Coleman and look to get Doherty on early-ish. Kenny really needs to be more proactive with his subs today and get lads on earlier.

I don't think teams should be writing off Qatar. They have been building a fake national side for a good while now and won't be as bad as people think come World Cup time

First time in a long time I have a bit of optimism going into an Ireland. Next step is too get a settled side - keep playing them and should be OK for next campaign. Beauty about this now is that there is zero expectations in this campaign now. The lads can just relax and play.

Once a team shows organisation and a bit of fight, there is not much else that can be asked of limited technical players.

I thought you were talking about Bristol City there at first. I was well shocked never knew there was another team in Bristol

Shows how low the expectation is for the Irish team that we worry about beating Qatar. Today is a must win but I think SK also needs a good performance against Serbia, even if we don't a result, to get punters back in the stadium.

Are Qatar that much different to Saudi Arabia? They also seem to play domestic league players but are one of the worst teams in WC history, like even we trounced them.

Yes by a long shot. Reigning Asain Champions beating Japan 3-1 in the final and finished third in the gold cup losing one nil to the USA in the semis. Qatar are spending billions sportswashing their reputation.

They ain't a bunch of middle Eastern nobodies like Oman are or Saudi Arabia. FIFA letting them participate in different competitions like the gold cup, Copa America and having them play teams in our group in preparation for the next world cup.

Arter and Scales do not make the matchday squad.

as I don’t always trust people to do it themselves before commenting on what we should do or win by tonight…Azerbaijan haven’t disgraced themselves in recent years..rarely concede more than 2 goals..a one goal win is worthy of expectation..more would be great

they seem a team that performs consistently rather than one that is up and down.

Would have had Robinson starting myself. Team looks very attack oriented.

I wouldn’t have McClean anywhere near the starting lineup.

I hope it's not Doherty on the left again. Wondering who is on set-piece duty as I figured Hourihane would start for that reason.

Unless it's a back four then Doherty is more than likely RWB. Yeah I'm wondering who will take set pieces. Don't think there's anyone there I can remember taking set pieces. Possibly Cullen could be taking corners or long frees into the box.

Doesn’t look like it will be - thought Doherty was excellent the last day though.

Media consensus is that a poor performance and win will suffice now.

Interesting to see what we will do if we have the ball a lot. Hoping Idah plays as well today, as last week. He was my MOTM.

Early goal to calm my nerves would be nice - even off Connolly's arse will do me.

The woman on the panel on RTE really slated McClean earlier for both goals.

Yup all creativity through midfield and on the right. Headless chicken stuff on the left.

(P.S I don't mean to be harsh on McClean, I know he works his socks off)

That Azerbaijan anthem reminds me of the Harry Potter theme.

Lol

not exactly the first post I expected to read

Hopefully parrot and Idah can bag a few for confidence.

That was beautiful from Idah