Ireland face Bulgaria on Thursday in the first leg of a playoff that will decide their Nations League fate.
The Boys in Green travel to Plovdiv hoping to preserve their status in Nations League B, after a mixed performance in their group last winter.
There are tentative signs of encouragement under Heimir Hallgrímsson thus far, but defeat to Bulgaria would be a massive step in the wrong direction for the Icelandic head coach. Nations League B status will also be pivotal for Ireland's future seeding.
When all the above is taken into account, this two-legged tie is a must-win for Ireland.
This is the XI we think can get Ireland to half-time ahead on Thursday night.
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The Ireland team we want to see in Sofia
Formation: 4-4-2
Hallgrímsson's hand is likely to be forced somewhat by the extent of injuries to Irish players of late. His choice of formation has varied since he took over as head coach but we see 4-4-2 as the right way to approach Thursday's game.
GK: Caoimhín Kelleher
It's wonderful to have Gavin Bazunu back fit once again but Caoimhín Kelleher has made this jersey his own over the past 12 months. The standout player in this Ireland team.
RB: Jake O'Brien
Séamus Coleman and Matt Doherty have had the right-back position locked down in the Ireland team for quite some time. However, Jake O'Brien has looked rejuvenated at Everton under David Moyes, and the switch from centre-back to the right-hand side of defence has played a big role in that.
He appears next in line to succeed Coleman at right-back at club level, and he has earned a shot at the position for Ireland with his recent performances.
CB: Nathan Collins
14 November 2024; Nathan Collins and Republic of Ireland head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson after the UEFA Nations League B Group 2 match between Republic of Ireland and Finland at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile
Nathan Collins has quietly had a very strong season with Brentford despite their mixed form, and is as good as a lock in the team. The main quesion is whether he will play in defence or midfield, with Heimir hinting that he may continue the midfield experiment from Wembley.
Expect Collins to captain the side on Thursday.
CB: Dara O'Shea
Close to a lock alongside Collins in the back four, Dara O'Shea has been impressive for Ipswich despite their imminent relegation from the Premier League. Started all but one of Ireland's games last year and should start 2025 in the same manner.
LB: Robbie Brady
A long-term solution is desperately needed at left-back but, for now, Robbie Brady is the best option. He made up for a challenging September window with a stellar display in Helsinki, dragging Ireland to victory. His experience will be valuable for Hallgrímsson.
RM: Finn Azaz
17 November 2024; Finn Azaz of Republic of Ireland during the UEFA Nations League B Group 2 match between England and Republic of Ireland at Wembley Stadium in London, England. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile
One of the most impressive Irish performers in England this season, Finn Azaz has been a pivotal player for Michael Carrick's Middlesbrough.
Played through the middle (both as a 10 and as a striker) in last year's October double-header, but we see him out wide in this team.
He's not exactly a like-for-like switch with the likes of Chiedozie Ogbene or Festy Ebosele but he has a lot to offer going forward.
CM: Josh Cullen
Kelleher, Collins, and Josh Cullen are the three locks on an Ireland teamsheet whenever all three are fit.
CM: Jason Knight
A player who had previously struggled for consistent form in an Ireland jersey but has found some solid form thus far under Heimir Hallgrímsson. The natural choice alongside Cullen in midfield, especially with Will Smallbone out injured.
LM: Mikey Johnston
14 November 2024; Mikey Johnston of Republic of Ireland during the UEFA Nations League B Group 2 match between Republic of Ireland and Finland at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Ben McShane/Sportsfile
Blows hot and cold sometimes but his display in November against Finland was his best yet in an Ireland shirt. Offers pace and attacking endeavour down the left.
ST: Adam Idah
Adam Idah doesn't start every week for Celtic but he has more often than not made an impact when given his opportunity. Yet to shine under Hallgrímsson but should start.
ST: Troy Parrott
The in-form Irish striker, Troy Parrott was stellar for AZ Alkmaar on their run to the Europa League last 16. When Hallgrímsson has deployed two up top in his time in charge, Parrott has been the man to shine.
Our Ireland team to play Bulgaria in full
Matt Doherty may well be preferred down the right flank, while we see Rocco Vata potentially playing a big role but only off the bench.
Ireland face Bulgaria on Thursday evening in Plovdiv, with the game live on RTÉ 2 at 7:45pm Irish time.
