It can’t be any worse than Saturday’s match. Hopefully not, anyway.
The Republic of Ireland team for the Uefa Nations League tie against Wales has been named. Ireland take on Ryan Giggs’ side in a fixture that could decide their fate in the new tournament.
If Martin O’Neill’s team fail to win, they will most likely finish bottom of their mini-group in the tournament. They will then be seeded third in qualification for Euro 2020.
The signs aren’t good for the home side. Ireland have won just two of their last 10 competitive games.
They beat Wales in Cardiff and beat Moldova in Dublin last October. Since then, they have been hammered 5-1 by Denmark and were beaten 4-1 by Wales last month.
O’Neill said Saturday night’s goalless draw with Denmark was the start of a “rebuilding” process. If that is the case, there may be an improved performance against Wales tonight.
Their task has been made easier by the absence of Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey, Wales’ two best players who both scored against Ireland last month.
Regular Ireland starters Seamus Coleman, Jonathan Walters miss the match with injury. As does Callum O’Dowda, who started Saturday’s draw with Denmark.
Callum Robinson and Aiden O’Brien come into the side. Shane Long was a doubt for the game and hasn’t made the starting team.
Here’s the Ireland XI for the match:
BREAKING: Two changes for Ireland as Callum Robinson and Aiden O'Brien replace Shane Long and Callum O'Dowda! #COYBIG #IRLWAL pic.twitter.com/KcCYic9w2d
— Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) October 16, 2018
It’s always hard to tell with O’Neill, but is how the team could set-up, with Cyrus Christie in midfield again.
Here’s the Welsh team:
🏴 CYMRU XI #TogetherStronger#IRLWAL pic.twitter.com/MaNQXBmnvd
— Wales 🏴 (@Cymru) October 16, 2018
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