Surely we have to be beating Andorra, right? We can never be too confident of a win heading into an Ireland game these days, but this fixture will offer Stephen Kenny his best chance so far of getting a first win as Ireland boss.
The squad for the upcoming games is an interesting one, with a number of uncapped players included. With some established names missing due to injury, this will be an opportunity to blood some fresh faces into the side.
Here is the team we would like to see against Andorra on Thursday. It may not be the strongest XI available, but with two games on the horizon, it seems well suited to the task at hand.
GK: Caoimhín Kelleher
Caoimhín Kelleher might already be Ireland's number one were it not for some injury issues. The 22-year old missed the March international window, but should be handed an international debut over the next couple of games.
He possesses all of the traits that Stephen Kenny looks for in a goalkeeper and is likely to play a big part over the remainder of the year.
RB: Seamus Coleman
Kenny could opt to save Coleman for the Hungary game, but his selection in this team makes sense based on some of the other players included.
The Everton man had a stellar season, putting together a sustained run of strong form for the first time in a few years. He has to be considered Ireland's first choice right back as a result.
CB: John Egan
John Egan's absence towards the end of the year certainly played a part in Ireland's poor results. The centre back featured only once after the play-off loss in Slovakia, even being forced to come off after 14 minutes on that occasion.
His ability on the ball is something that none of the other options in the squad up to this point really have.
CB: Andrew Omobamidele
What a couple of months it has been for the Leixlip youngster. Having been seen as a promising prospect still a little bit away from first team football only a matter of weeks ago, Omobamidele would go on to star in the closing stages of Norwich's promotion campaign.
The 18-year old has been handed a first senior international call-up as a result, with the fixture against Andorra the perfect opportunity to give him his first taste of football at this level.
LB: Ryan Manning
With Enda Stevens not in the squad, Ryan Manning is the obvious choice here. He has been given limited opportunities with Ireland thus far, but his attacking abilities should shine against the world's 158th ranked side.
DM: Josh Cullen
Josh Cullen has enjoyed an excellent season at Anderlecht, more than justifying his decision to move to the Belgian league. He has also performed well for Ireland under the current manager and looks likely to continue in that holding midfield role as we advance through the campaign.
The more reps he can get in that position for Ireland, the more comfortable he will be going forward.
CM: Jason Knight
Jason Knight had an excellent season, even accounting Derby's struggles. He was a near ever-present in the Championship and has grown into an incredibly reliable player despite his age.
The 20-year is the type of 'do it all' midfielder that you don't really see all that often in the modern game.
CM: Jamie McGrath
In an Ireland team desperately short on goals, Jamie McGrath certainly has the ability to help on that front. He scored 17 times from midfield for St Mirren this season and offers plenty in attacking areas.
The former St Pat's and Dundalk player can add a bit of attacking flair in an area of the pitch where it is desperately lacking in the current squad. The fixture against Andorra is the perfect audition to show that he can offer a bit of something different.
RW: Chiedozie Ogbene
Ireland's lack of in-form wingers is a major concern if Kenny is still hoping to play some sort of 4-3-3 system. Chiedozie Ogbene is certainly a potential solution.
The Ireland boss recently described what he brings to the team, with his raw pace something very few other Irish players can match:
He is very, vary fast powerful right winger. We don't have that type of player in the squad, he is different to what we have got.
We would be interested to see how this could add a different dynamic to the team.
ST: Adam Idah
Despite success at team level, Adam Idah did not have the season he would have hoped for at Norwich. The Cork man struggled with injuries and for playing time, starting only one game in the Championship.
He has performed to a decent level for Ireland in his handful of caps and is likely to be given another opportunity in this game.
LW: Troy Parrott
Troy Parrott's season did not go to plan, but there is little doubt that he is still an enticing prospect. He has yet to start a game for Ireland under Kenny, but considering the lack of options on the wing for this window, it would be interesting to see how he fared against the Andorrans.
He played in this position on a number of occasions under Kenny at U21 level, experiencing plenty of success in the process.
The Team In Full
This would certainly be an interesting team, with four uncapped players included.
Here's hoping for a first win of the Stephen Kenny era.
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