Euro Qualifiers Preview: Republic of Ireland -v- Gibraltar

James McClean in action against Gibraltar in Ireland's 2-0 home win in 2019

James McClean in action against Gibraltar in Ireland's 2-0 home win in 2019 Credit: Paul Dolan (ETPhotos)

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND

Stephen Kenny’s team come into this game after a thoroughly disappointing 2-1 defeat in Athens, a loss that effectively put an end to any slim hopes of a top-two finish in the group. An extremely poor showing on the night has yet again raised questions about Stephen Kenny and his players.

After some positivity surrounding the performance against France in March, it seems it was one step forward followed by two steps back once again, unfortunately, this has been the pattern throughout Kenny’s tenure which has been extremely frustrating for everyone.

Kenny will surely opt for a more attacking line-up on Monday evening and may bring some fresh faces into the starting line-up in search of creativity and goals in the attacking third which may mean starts for Micheal Obafemi and tricky winger Mikey Johnston. Matt Doherty will be absent after picking up a late red card in Athens.

Stephen Kenny also confirmed James McClean will captain the side on his 100th cap for the Boys in Green, a proud night for a player who has been a great servant over the years since he made his debut in 2012.

However, a game against Gibraltar presents the perfect opportunity to get back on track and pick up our first win of the campaign against a very poor Gibraltar side. A convincing win and a positive performance will be the minimum expectation from the Irish supporters who will be hoping to have something to cheer about after the disappointment of Friday night.

Ireland manager Stephen Kenny certainly was not underestimating Gibraltar in his press conference “We've got to focus on tomorrow and Gibraltar, make sure we are ready, I know the games were tight previously so we have to just get ourselves ready and make sure we get a home victory."

GIBRALTAR



Despite starting the group with three losses, Gibraltar who are ranked 201st in the world will be pretty content having kept Netherlands, Greece, and most recently France to three goals each.

They will again come into this game as huge underdogs but their last trip to the Aviva only ended in a 2-0 defeat and they will surely take confidence from that game.

The Gibraltar manager Julio Cesar Ribas is expecting a tough test for his side on Monday night: “It’s important that we focus on our game. Ireland are a great side regardless of their form at the moment.

“We’ve seen them playing against Greece, we’ve seen them playing against France and they’ve put in good performances. We respect them, they’re a great side.”

Referee: Marian Alexandru Barbu (Romania)

MATCH STATS



Ireland have won all three previous encounters between the sides with an aggregate score of 7-0.

BETTING

Ireland 1/100; Gibraltar 50/1

PREDICTION

Republic of Ireland 3-0 Gibraltar

 

Republic of Ireland

Injured: None

Suspended: Matt Doherty

Gibraltar

Injured: n/a

Suspended: None

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