Ireland will close out 2022 with a friendly against Malta on Sunday evening, hoping to bounce back from their defeat against Norway last night.
Stephen Kenny's side performed poorly in that one, looking very laboured in attack and struggling to create any chances of real quality.
They are likely to have the majority of the ball against the nation sitting in 168th place in the FIFA world rankings. With that in mind, here is the team we would like to see for the game.
Ireland We Want To See Against Malta
GK: Gavin Bazunu
Gacin Bazunu had a bit of a shaky performance at the Aviva last night, although he did pull off one fantastic save early in the second half. There was little he could do about the two goals.
He is certainly Ireland's established no. 1 and that looks unlikely to change in the near future.
CB: Nathan Collins
The Norway game was probably the shakiest we have seen Nathan Collins in an Ireland jersey, although it was still a decent performance. While he likely won't have too much defending to do against Malta, his ability to carry the ball into midfield and plain forward areas when called upon should prove to be a major asset.
CB: John Egan
John Egan captained the team once again against the Norwegians, an honour he likely to have for much of the Euro 2024 qualifying campaign as we see Seamus Coleman continue in a backup role.
He has the position in the centre of the back three nailed down heading into 2023.
CB: Darragh Lenihan
Egan and and Collins look to have the other two places in the back three sewn up, with the third still probably up for grabs. Dara O'Shea has played well there in the last three games, while Andrew Omobamidele will also come under consideration when he returns to full fitness.
This is a good fixture to give Darragh Lenihan an opportunity. The Meath man has been one of the most consistent players in the Championship over the last few seasons, something that has continued since his move to Middlesborough.
He has only earned three Ireland caps since his debut in 2018 and deserves a chance to play in this game.
RWB: Matt Doherty
Matt Doherty was well short of his best against Norway, failing to make much of an impact in forward areas. That is understandable considering his recent lack of football, with the Dubliner likely keen to get more minutes under his belt in Sunday's game.
Seamus Coleman could come in for this one, although he needs to be managed when you look at the amount of games he has played for Everton in recent weeks.
LWB: Callum O'Dowda
Making his first international appearance in over two years, Callum O'Dowda was one of Ireland's better players against Norway.
He seems perfectly suited to that left wingback role, a position that is up for grabs in the team moving forward. Kenny has had a good chance to look at both Robbie Brady and James McClean in the side and could use this game to get one final glimpse at what the Cardiff City man can offer.
CM: Josh Cullen
Josh Cullen is the only member of the Ireland squad who is proven in that holding midfield role. That may not be as important in the game against Malta, but he offers a nice balance in the side and is likely to start once again at the weekend.
CM: Alan Browne
Alan Browne initially struggled in the game against Norway, but we saw in the second half what he can offer the team. He is one of the few midfielders in the Ireland squad that is a genuine goal threat, as he showed with an excellent finish last night and getting into dangerous positions on a couple of other occasions.
In a game where Ireland are likely to have most of the ball, he can be a big asset.
CM: Will Smallbone
It was a bit disappointing not to see Will Smallbone get on the pitch last night, but the game against Malta is the perfect one in which to hand him his international debut.
The Stoke City man is capable of providing plenty of creativity from midfield, something he consistently did at U21 level. That could be key against a side who are likely to sit deep and defend in a low block.
ST: Evan Ferguson
He got a small taste of international football against Norway, so why can't Evan Ferguson be thrown in from the start on Sunday? He may lack experience at the top level, but he should have no issues with the physicality in the senior ranks despite his age.
All going well, the Brighton man will be a key player for Ireland for the next decade and a half. With this being the last friendly game the team will play for quite a while, he should get a start in Malta.
ST: Michael Obafemi
Michael Obafemi seemed well off the pace last night, but he remains Ireland's biggest goal threat. He has a huge amount of pace and has shown that he is capable of scoring at international level.
A potential partnership with Evan Ferguson looks like an intriguing one, offering a nice blend of pace and physicality.
The Team In Full
This would be an interesting side, with two players handed full international debut. It will also give a couple of other squad members the opportunity to stake a claim for place in the starting XI ahead of the Euro 2024 qualifiers.
Here's hoping that they can round out 2022 with a win.
SEE ALSO: Didi Hamann Slams 'Unacceptable' Ireland Performance In Defeat To Norway
