MATCH THREAD " IRELAND v WALES " MATCH THREAD

IRELAND v WALES
Sunday 11th October 2020, 2pm
UEFA Nations League
Aviva Stadium

Aaron Ramsey available again.

Kieffer Moore a doubt after picking up an injury against England.

Wales have won both their Nations League games so far, Ireland have drawn one and lost one.

Ireland definitely not going to the Euros next summer after losing on penalties to Slovakia on Thursday night.



How can I watch this match on TV?

This match is live on Sky Sports and S4C.

Ireland squad

Darren Randolph (West Ham)
Caoimhin Kelleher (Liverpool)
Mark Travers (Bournemouth)

Matt Doherty (Tottenham)
Enda Stevens (Sheffield United)
Shane Duffy (Celtic)
John Egan (Sheffield United)
Derrick Williams (Blackburn)
Kevin Long (Burnley)
Cyrus Christie (Nottingham Forest)

Conor Hourihane (Aston Villa)
James McCarthy (Crystal Palace)
Jeff Hendrick (Newcastle)
Alan Browne (Preston)
Jayson Molumby (Brighton)
Jack Byrne (Shamrock)
Robbie Brady (Burnley)
Josh Cullen (Anderlecht)

Callum Robinson (West Brom)
Callum O'Dowda (Bristol City)
James McClean (Stoke)
Daryl Horgan (Wycombe)
David McGoldrick (Sheffield United)
Sean Maguire (Preston)
Shane Long (Southampton)

Wales squad

Wayne Hennessey (Crystal Palace)
Danny Ward (Leicester)
Adam Davies (Stoke)

Chris Gunter (Unattached)
Ben Davies (Tottenham Hotspur)
Connor Roberts (Swansea City)
Ethan Ampadu (Sheffield United)
Chris Mepham (Bournemouth)
Joe Rodon (Swansea City)
Neco Williams (Liverpool)
Ben Cabango (Swansea City)
Rhys Norrington-Davies (Luton)

Aaron Ramsey (Juventus)
Jonny Williams (Charlton)
Harry Wilson (Liverpool)
David Brooks (Bournemouth)
Joe Morrell (Bristol City)
Will Vaulks (Cardiff City)
Matt Smith (Manchester City)
Brennan Johnson (Lincoln City)
Daniel James (Manchester United)
Dylan Levitt (Manchester United)

Kieffer Moore (Cardiff City)
Tyler Roberts (Leeds)
Rabbi Matondo (Schalke)
Ben Woodburn (Oxford United)

Match odds

Ireland - 9/5
Wales - 17/10
Draw - 2/1

they played their full team , had extra time and could well be on a downer... fancy us here..

Wales, our young players will shine in this one

Ryan Giggs is set to make a late decision on injured duo Kieffer Moore and Chris Mepham ahead of their crucial UEFA Nations League clash with the Republic of Ireland on Sunday.

Moore was forced off just before half-time during the friendly defeat to England at Wembley on Thursday night, while Mepham was similarly struck down with a knee problem.

Wales were beaten 3-0 at the hands of their bitter rivals, but the upcoming double-header with Ireland and Bulgaria,will no doubt be seen as a more important matter.

Fans reacted with dismay at seeing Moore limp off ahead of such a crucial run of games, while Cardiff City supporters will also have been anxiously watching on, such is the striker's importance to Neil Harris' plans this season.

However, those concerns may well be eased by the fact Giggs hasn't totally ruled Moore, or indeed Mepham, out of contention for Sunday's clash in Dublin.

"They're struggling a little bit," he said when asked about the duo's fitness.

"We're giving them as much time as possible. Obviously it's a short turnaround. Kieffer had a problem with his toe and then towards the end Chris has just taken a knock on his knee.

"We're going to take as much time as possible.

"Obviously we're not going to take any risks, but obviously we're keen for them both to be involved.

"We've had another day of training and treatment today, so we just need to see how they both settle down."

Meanwhile, Wales have received a big boost in the form of Aaron Ramsey's return, with Giggs confirming the talismanic midfielder is likely to play some part in the next two games.

Ramsey missed the defeat to England after being placed in "fiduciary isolation" with Juventus team-mates, after two members of the club staff tested positive for Covid-19.

"He's fit to play and he's in good shape," Giggs added.

"Obviously Aaron brings that experience first and foremost, and he has got that something different that can unlock defences and that ability to make a difference, which he did in our last qualifying game against Hungary with two goals."

Daniel James and David Brooks are also likely to be involved, after watching on from the sidelines at Wembley, although Giggs admits there are still some niggling concerns over whether they will be able to fire on all cylinders in Dublin.

"They're fit for selection," Giggs confirmed.

Thought Sam Vokes would have been brought in as cover for Keiffer and surprised that Harry Wilson didn’t play against England ?

Thought Sam Vokes would have been brought in as cover for Keiffer and surprised that Harry Wilson didn’t play against England ?

Harry Wilson hardly playing for his club apart from some cup games so not surprised he didn't play.

I'm also surprised that another striker hasn't been called up, can only assume that Giggs is happy to play Tyler Roberts there if Moore isn't ready - which isn't a bad shout to be fair.

Thought Sam Vokes would have been brought in as cover for Keiffer and surprised that Harry Wilson didn’t play against England ?

Harry Wilson hardly playing for his club apart from some cup games so not surprised he didn't play.

I'm also surprised that another striker hasn't been called up, can only assume that Giggs is happy to play Tyler Roberts there if Moore isn't ready - which isn't a bad shout to be fair.

Surely Harry Wilson is better than the Division 1 Players we played? Wish we could get him on loan to compete with Tomlin?

Wales return to competitive action on Sunday when they visit the Republic of Ireland in the Nations League.

Manager Ryan Giggs has maintained this game and Wednesday's trip to Bulgaria are Wales' priorities this week, having rested some prominent players for Thursday's friendly loss to England.

Midfielders David Brooks and Harry Wilson are set to return as Wales aim to prolong their winning start.

And perhaps most importantly, Juventus playmaker Aaron Ramsey is back.

Ramsey missed the 3-0 defeat against England having joined Wales' squad later than others as Juve put their squad into a bubble after two non-playing staff members tested positive for coronavirus.
The return of such an influential player is significant for Wales, who are without record goalscorer Gareth Bale and midfielder Joe Allen.

With two wins from their opening two fixtures against Finland and Bulgaria, Giggs' men will look to build on that momentum when they travel to Dublin.

The Republic will be familiar foes for Wales as this will be a fifth meeting between the teams in three years, with a sixth to follow in Cardiff next month.

Wales did the double over the Irish in the previous instalment of the Nations League.

"I would always expect a tough game against Ireland," said Giggs.

"I thought they played well against Slovakia. I thought they shaded it and were the better team. They have lots of energy and don't give you much time on the ball.

"Our concentration will have to be at its best and we will have to take our chances when we get them."

Whereas Wales will aim for a third win from three in this competition on Sunday, their opponents will be searching for a first victory having drawn in Bulgaria and lost at home to Finland in September.

Good news.

A further five Republic of Ireland players are out of Sunday's Nations League game against Wales after one of them tested positive for Covid-19.

Rambo and K. Moore - Both start for Wales

Very very slow start to the game

Why are we playing in Yellow FFS?

Oh and how the FK was that a yellow card?

So far quite boring.
Also with no crowds even worse

So far quite boring.
Also with no crowds even worse

Dullsville
Wales build up painfully slow and really doesn't suit us. We should sit back and hit them on the counter.
Ireland a bit more positive

Why arn't Wales playing in red no clash with the irish kiy?

Why arn't Wales playing in red no clash with the irish kiy?

For us it was called the 2nd kit, to be used when there was a clash but sadly now it's the away kit.

I may have made that up but it's all I got.

This is like watching paint dry.

Do we get extra points for unwarranted, needless passing ?Have they changed where they place the goals because we seem to be aiming for the halfway touchlines.

Ref is also sh#te ... being conned by the diving Irish. Worse than the fkg Argies

HALF TIME: Ireland 0-0 Wales

Poor first half from both teams

Looks like a lot of players from both teams are still tired from playing on Thursday night

Kieffer Moore booked in the first half so will be suspended for the game at Bulgaria on Wednesday

This is like watching paint dry.

Do we get extra points for unwarranted, needless passing ?Have they changed where they place the goals because we seem to be aiming for the halfway touchlines.

Connor Roberts being the worst culprit. Gets close to the Irish box then shoots a pass back to halfway, putting our defence under pressure. He should try to beat the defender. Give it a go ffs

Been disappointing so far, both teams have been playing it very safe and slowly

At end day it's about results a win and our ranking points for world cup qualification goes up so get easier group! Also what people are forgetting is a lot of our players are not regulars for their clubs so a bit rusty to say least...

Awful and uninspiring game so far.

Awful and uninspiring game so far.

Daniel James' final ball is atrocious. So many wasted opportunities.

Awful and uninspiring game so far.

Daniel James' final ball is atrocious. So many wasted opportunities.

He has pace to burn but little else

Should be 1-0 down.

Great chance for Shane Long.

Ffs like watching city all these missed passes...

Republic controlling the game and looking the better of two poor sides

Republic controlling the game and looking the better of two poor sides

2 Welsh defenders play 6 passes between themselves 30yrds out! Getting nowhere fast need to up the tempo badly and give moore better service and backup..