Euro u21 qualifier preview: Republic of Ireland -v- Sweden

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND U21

The Republic of Ireland face Sweden in a must win UEFA European under-21 qualifier at Tallaght Stadium on Tuesday night (kick-off 7pm).

The Boys in Green are seven points behind their Swedish counterparts, with three points necessary for Jim Crawford’s side.

“The other two (Italy and Sweden) are creating a huge gap. I feel it’s win or bust on Tuesday. We have to. There’s no two ways about it,” said Crawford ahead of this week’s game.

A quick four-day turnaround means that time on the training ground is limited. The under-twenty-one coaching staff of Crawford, John O’Shea and Alan Reynolds had their work cut out to adapt from the Italy game and to try and improve Ireland in the final third.

“Certainly, we when get into the top end of the pitch we could be more clinical. Whether it’s crosses or opportunities like that.

Sweden are another really good team. They play a lot differently to Italy, so we’ve work to do before Tuesday,” said Crawford.

Skipper Conor Coventry and Bournemouth midfielder Gavin Kilkenny are expected to occupy the two deep lying positions, but the three in front of those who played against Italy could be changed.

Will Smallbone, Conor Noß and Tyreik Wright struggled to impose themselves on the game. Bohemians’ duo Ross Tierney and Dawson Devoy did well in cameo appearances off the bench and may have done enough to force themselves into the starting XI.

The back four could stay the same, however Lee O’Connor did suffer a slight knock towards the end of the game, Andy Lyons could deputise for him.

Crawford has picked three different strikers in the last three games, with Colm Whelan, JJ Kayode and Evan Ferguson all being given the nod. Rotherham striker Kayode could be given the role once more as Ireland look to secure a much needed three points.

SWEDEN U21

Sweden come to Tallaght on Tuesday night knowing that a draw will leave the Boys in Green a mammoth task to occupy one of the top two positions in the group.

The Swedes have played a game more than Ireland, playing six winning four and drawing just two. A 6-0 hammering of Luxembourg and a point earned in Italy the highpoints of a good qualifying campaign so far.

Manchester United youngster Anthony Elanga will be the one that Ireland have to watch out for. The nineteen-year-old had made two league appearances for United, scoring the winner against Wolves on the last day of last season.

Crawford is aware of the Swedish talent. “He (Elanga) plays wide left and is quick. I’m sure he’ll start Tuesday, so we’ll have to find a way of keeping him quiet. He is a big threat.”

Sweden defeated Bosnia and Herzegovina 4-0 and arrive in Dublin hoping to keep up the pressure on second placed side Italy.

MATCH STATS

The two side’s last clash was November 2019 in Tallaght, Ireland ran out 4-1 winners after being behind at halftime. A Connor Ronan masterclass inspired the Irish side in the second half, as goals from Troy Parrott, Zack Elbouzedi, Lee O’Connor, and Adam Idah gave then manager Stephen Kenny three points.

The last two games have been Irish wins. Just two months before that win in November, Ireland defeated the Swedes in Sweden. Parrott scored two while centre back Conor Masterson got the other as Ireland looked on course for qualification before a bad defeat in Iceland.

Sweden are top scorers in the group scoring eighteen times, Ireland in comparison have just scored six but played one game less.

PREDICTION

Republic of Ireland 1-1 Sweden

Republic of Ireland

Injured: None

Doubtful: Lee O’Connor

Suspended: None

Sweden

Injured: None

Doubtful: None

Suspended: None