CONNOLLY!
Following their dull scoreless draw against Georgia last time out, Mick McCarthy’s men have been left with the job of grabbing at least one win from their remaining two games.
Switzerland meanwhile sit third in the group with eight points – they’ve won two, drawn two and lost 1 in their last game against Denmark. Additionally, the Swiss are missing their key man in attack – Xherdan Shaqiri. While they have often produced slick, impressive football throughout the qualifying campaign, their sloppiness has cost them, something Ireland might have a chance to capitalise upon.
4 – Republic of Ireland are unbeaten in their last four meetings with Switzerland in all competitions (W1 D3), since a 0-2 loss in October 2003. Defiant. #Euro2020Qualifiers pic.twitter.com/JbAKxEQ1yU
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) October 15, 2019
Vladimir Petkovic’s side will need to win their remaining fixtures to stand a chance to qualify and on the face of it, they are favourites to beat the Irish. Having said that, Ireland will be quietly confident about their chances especially given the ace they hold up their sleeve – Aaron Connolly. And Mick McCarthy has rolled the dice tonight.
The 19-year-old has been the talk of the town, generating headlines and praise for his spellbinding two-goal performance against Spurs two weeks ago. And this is his time tonight.
He’s named to start. Here’s the ten Irish men who will line out alongside him.
TEAM NEWS | #SUIIRL 🇨🇭🇮🇪
Enda Stevens returns to the team after suspension. Alan Browne comes into midfield, while there is a first senior international start for Aaron Connolly!#COYBIG pic.twitter.com/G6alOr12uO
— Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) October 15, 2019
Matt Doherty can count himself unlucky as Enda Stevens comes back to take his spot. Alan Browne meanwhile, gets the nod ahead of Conor Hourihane, who can also count himself slightly hard done by.
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