Mick McCarthy has named his Ireland team to take on Switzerland in this evening's vital Euro 2020 qualifier.
It looks like much of the same for Ireland, with no major shocks. Darren Randolph will be behind a back four of Coleman, Duffy, Keogh, and Stevens. Glenn Whelan will shield the back four, just behind Jeff Hendrick and Conor Hourihane.
Callum Robinson is likely to operate from the right, with James McClean on the left wing. David McGoldrick will act as the lone striker up front.
Here is your Starting XI for #IRLSUI as @JeffHendrick92 is set to win his 50th cap for Ireland #COYBIG pic.twitter.com/o4gYRpuqob
— FAIreland ⚽️🇮🇪 (@FAIreland) September 5, 2019
The team features one change from the last game against Gibraltar, which finished in a 2-0 victory. While a win is a win, it will certainly be hoped that we see an improved performance this evening.
Ireland struggled to break down Gibraltar in that game, with a stoppage time goal from Robbie Brady putting a bit of gloss on the scoreline. In truth it was an abject performance from Ireland, one that featured little attacking threat.
The Swiss will provide an altogether sterner challenge, sitting 11th in the FIFA World Rankings. They have only missed out on qualification for one major tournament since their absence at the 2002 World Cup. They will be without star man Xherdan Shaqiri who decided to focus on his club duties with Liverpool.
Switzerland have played two qualifiers thus far, a 2-0 win in Georgia and a 3-3 draw with Denmark.
Their manager Vladimir Petkovic was less than complimentary about Ireland's style of play this week, labelling it as 'unpleasant'. That echoes the sentiment put forward by the Danes earlier this year, although they were much more steadfast in their criticism.
McCarthy responded to those comments with his usual tongue in cheek manner.
We'll be playing our usual brand, even though some people find it unpleasant
I thought we played quite pleasantly over the past four games to be honest. I hope he [Petkovic] is sat there in the dressing room afterwards thinking it was even more unpleasant and he doesn’t want to see us in October. That’s my view...
I watched Switzerland and there is no shortage of aggression from them, how they work and press. It’s then about what you do with the ball.
If we end up winning ugly 1-0 and they find it unpleasant, I’ll be finding it delightfully pleasant.
