Our XI: Randolph; Christie, Clark, Duffy, Ward; Arter, Hendrick; Brady, McClean, McGeady; Long.
Goalkeeper and defence
Ireland have conceded just six goals in 10 World Cup qualifiers, so it’s unlikely Martin O’Neill will opt to make any changes to the backline. That means the usual suspects — Randolph, Ward, Clark, Duffy and Christie are expected to start.
Wolves’ Matt Doherty has been playing very well at club level, though it seems unlikely that O’Neill will throw him in at right-back for such a big game, with the player having yet to even make his international debut.
Midfield
The decision of which players to put in central midfield has been made easier by the enforced absences — David Meyler is suspended, while James McCarthy is injured.
Eunan O’Kane and Conor Hourihane have been doing relatively well at club level this season, though their lack of experience at international level will probably count against them.
Consequently, O’Neill will probably go with two out of Jeff Hendrick, Glenn Whelan and Harry Arter to sit in front of the back four.
The fact that it’s a game Ireland don’t need to win probably gives the edge to Whelan in O’Neill’s eyes. The downside of picking the Aston Villa man is that at 33, he does not get around the pitch as quickly as he once did and does not possess the athleticism of a player like Hendrick, who O’Neill may be tempted to push further forward in Copenhagen.
But including Whelan in the team does not necessarily guarantee greater defensive solidity — the last international game the Dubliner started was Georgia away, when the Boys in Green were cut open far too easily by their opponents.
Attack
Given that they have always played when available during this World Cup qualifying campaign, James McClean and Robbie Brady are almost certain to be part of the attacking three behind the striker. The bold choice would be to go with either Callum O’Dowda, Aiden McGeady or Wes Hoolahan alongside them.
Before the Wales game, in an interview with RTÉ, O’Neill suggested that Hoolahan cannot start two games in quick succession, so he might want to save him for the home match, which Ireland will likely need to win.
Up front, it seems like a straight choice between Shane Long and Daryl Murphy. The latter is arguably more of a goal threat than the former. Murphy has scored three goals to Long’s one, despite the Nottingham Forest man playing 339 minutes less than his colleague during this World Cup campaign.
However, at 34, expecting Murphy to play two games in quick succession is a big ask (even though he achieved this feat in the last round of matches), so O’Neill may be tempted to keep the Waterford native for the home leg, particularly given that he is one of the 10 Irish players who are a booking away from suspension.
Moreover, while he has not scored a goal for club or country since 11 February against Sunderland, Long’s pace and ability to run the channels would be an asset in a game where Ireland will be doing most of their attacking on the counter.
Predicted XI: Randolph; Christie, Clark, Duffy, Ward; Brady, Arter, Whelan, Hendrick, McClean; Long.
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Very sad! RIP
Who the hell gives that comment a thumb down. Idiots.
I think it’s accidental when your scrolling.
As a Kerryperson, can I add my sympathy to his Family and his GAA Family too.
I knew him for thirty years and he was always the perfect gentleman.
We had some great texts back and forth over recent years , with the successes of our respective County Teams , but he was so rightly proud of his County Hurlers too .
His good humour will be so missed everywhere – RIP.
Great servant to Dublin Gaa. He’ll be missed. Condolences to his family and loved ones.
A great Dublin GAA man. Rest well.
RIP.
Very sad news. RIP.
A long time Friend for over 30yrs.
& a true Gentleman & Sportsman.
A super servant to Dublin GAA, and a gentleman my condolences and thoughts are with his Family, Friends and club.
RIP, great GAA Man
Ar dheis Dè go raibh a anam. RIP
Deepest sympathy to the Kettle family and everyone involved with Dublin Gaa and everyone in Fingal Ravens Gaa club.
Brian Carroll
Secretary
Roscommon GAA
May he rest in peace, 68 is so young to pass away these days.
Was he sick or die suddenly? How old was he?
Sorry, see illness now
Lord rest andy, a true gentlemen, prayers to the family
Had the pleasure of working with Andy in the Irish Times during the 80s .. A true gentleman .RIP Andy
He reminds me of ronnie barker
Brendan. I think so too. May he rest in peace.
R.I.P. Andy. I have a funny feeling that there could be some Dublin GAA memories getting shared up above today between Heffo & Andy
Rest in peace. Dublin Handball