The Boys in Green could take a huge step towards qualification tonight…
Martin O’Neill makes a return to Parkhead this evening as the Republic of Ireland go in search of a vital three points on the road to Euro 2016.
An impressive draw away to world champions Germany has only seen the optimism levels rise amongst Irish supporters, but Gordon Strachan’s resurgent Scotland will provide a tough test; the Scots have lost just one of their last nine international matches, winning five in the process.
Preparations for the game haven’t been ideal due to a combination of off the field issues and injuries to key men like Glenn Whelan and James McCarthy, but there are reasons to be optimistic.
If Ireland are to stay joint-top of Group D going into the next qualifier at home to Poland then the following will need to be addressed…
Who will line-up in central midfield?
From the moment the teams were drawn in this group, Irish fans knew that the road to France was going to be a bumpy one.
Despite an early wobble, Germany are still the runaway favourites to top the group, which means a win in Glasgow will see Ireland tighten their grip on the second automatic qualification spot.
Like any game, the centre of midfield will be a key factor in the outcome of the match and we would be surprised if Jeff Hendrick and Darron Gibson don’t line-up against Scott Brown and James Morrison.
Both players had a key-role in changing the shape, speed and dynamic of the game against Germany and it’s hard not to admire the energetic running, intelligent passing and attacking instincts of Jeff Hendrick.
The St. Kevin’s Boys product looks absolutely fearless on the international stage and his assist for John O’Shea’s late equaliser was one of the best pieces of skill that we’ve seen an Irish player perform in years. He also scored a brace in Derby’s 5-0 defeat of Wolves last weekend so his confidence should be sky-high.
Derryman Gibson hasn’t started a league league match for Everton so far this season but his experience will be vital, especially if paired next to Hendrick.
The return of Seamus Coleman to the right-back slot might mean a place on the bench for David Meyler although it wouldn’t surprise us to see O’Neill name the Hull City midfielder in his starting XI as well, possibly in a three-man midfield. His club colleague Stephen Quinn, who’s performed admirably in the qualification campaign so far, will also be in the frame for selection.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gyrb-qFkjKs
Clip via – tomek rugala
Who will partner John O’Shea at centre-back?
Stoke City defender Marc Wilson is ruled out of the match after sustaining a hamstring injury against Spurs on Sunday so the key question is, who partners John O’Shea at the back?
Wilson’s absence is a big blow as his partnership with O’Shea was beginning to show some encouraging signs in Germany, but an opportunity has now opened up for someone else to stake their claim.
Richard Keogh will probably get the nod as the Derby defender has been ever present for the Rams this season and has been a vital ingredient in their run to the top of the table. He also captained Ireland in the recent friendly win against Oman and seems to be a favourite of O’Neill’s despite his poor performance against Portugal in the summer. The heartbreaking play-off final was probably still weighing on his mind.
Alex Pearce has also played every minute for Reading this season and impressed in the 0-0 draw with Italy at Craven Cottage, which was arguably Ireland’s best performance under O’Neill.
Richard Keogh (second from right) is the most likely choice to partner John O’Shea in the heart of the Irish defence
Is Robbie Keane’s place under threat?
Breaking down the Scottish defence won’t be easy as Gordon Strachan’s side have kept three consecutive clean sheets in front of their own fans, but there is hope.
Scotland are having their own little mini injury-crisis with defenders Alan Hutton and Phil Bardsley joining the likes of James McArthur and long-term absentee Robert Snodgrass on the injury list, so maybe it’s the perfect time to face them.
While Martin O’Neill didn’t confirm whether or not our record goalscorer Robbie Keane would start in his pre-match press conference we would be very surprised if the Tallaght man didn’t lead the line on his former ground.
Keane may not have the legs to stretch defenders and run the channels like Shane Long does, but no one can question his goalscoring prowess; his record of 65 goals in 135 internationals speaks for itself.
Keane definitely offers a greater goal threat while Long offers more physicality and effort.
The Tipperary man might consider himself a tad bit unlucky not to be selected if, as we expect, O’Neill keeps faith with Keane. The Southampton striker bagged two very well-taken goals in the Saints’ recent win against Leicester but his willingness to hound, hassle and harry defenders makes him a valuable asset from the bench.
Keane may have cut a lonely figure in the away games against Germany and Georgia but we didn’t lose those games after all and his ability to bag a goal from just one chance could be vital.
What will Aiden McGeady’s role be?
Your humble reporter thinks that Aiden McGeady does have a lot to offer Ireland when utilised in a free role, but Gelsenkirchen wasn’t the place for him to make his debut in the No.10 position.
It was always going to be a backs against the wall job in Germany, especially since the world champions were completely dominant in possession; they had 67% of the ball in total. McGeady barely got a kick in the match and it was noticeable that Ireland’s and McGeady’s fortunes improved when the more dynamic and forward thinking Gibson and Hendrick were introduced and the Everton man was relocated to the wing.
Their hard work and quick passing was able to free up the skilful McGeady in more attacking areas but will O’Neill continue to play him off Robbie Keane or will he revert to his more familiar wide role? Whatever happens, a repeat of this sort of genius wouldn’t go amiss.
Clip via –2011ade
How will Ireland approach the game tactically?
Ireland are in their best run of form under Martin O’Neill with three wins in the last four matches and we also boast a good record against the Scots in recent years, winning three of the last four.
The Irish manager will have fond memories of Parkhead having won three titles in his five-year spell and we’re hoping that this positivity is reflected in his team’s approach. Remember, Scotland are dangerous opponents with players like Steven Naismith, Steven Fletcher and Ikechi Anya all capable of inflicting some damage, so while O’Neill will be conscious of the need to be secure at the back, hopefully there’ll be an element of him letting his team off the leash.
That said, Scotland also looked very porous against Poland and conceded two sloppy goals against Germany so there is an opportunity to leave Glasgow with a valuable three points, which could prove to be vital as this group is likely to be balanced on a wire.
In any case… COYBIG!
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