2018 World Cup Qualifying Group D: Republic of Ireland v Wales (tonight, Aviva Stadium, 7.45pm)
HOW do you stop Gareth Bale? That’s been the question on every Irish supporter’s lips ahead of tonight’s 2018 World Cup Qualifier with Wales in Dublin.
Former Welsh international striker Dean Saunders probably gave the most accurate assessment of the Real Madrid star and his worth to his country.
“You can’t stop him,” said Saunders.
“He’s quicker than you.
“He’s stronger than you.
“He’s better in the air than you.
“He’s fitter than you.
“He’s more skill than you.
“If you took him out of our team, we’d be average, if I’m being honest. If you put him in our team we can beat anyone.”
Although he’s played just two games for his club – against Napoli and Athletic Bilbao – since recovering from ankle surgery, Bale poses the single biggest threat to the Republic remaining in pole position in Group D.
Bale, who will have licence to roam across the Welsh front line tonight, is a player of moments rather than one who dictates games.
Every time Republic manager Martin O’Neill has appeared in front of the media over the last week, he’s been asked about Bale’s sizeable talent.
It was no different in Abbotstown yesterday afternoon.
Describing him as “world-class” for the umpteenth time, O’Neill says he has no plans for anyone to man-mark him and that he can’t be “totally obsessed” with the Welsh ace.
The fact that James McCarthy trained with the Irish squad yesterday was good news for O’Neill as the Everton man has the mobility and tenacity to police the areas where Bale might try to infiltrate.
Much has been made of the length of Ireland’s injury list ahead of tonight’s crucial tie – Robbie Brady (suspended), Wes Hoolahan, Shane Duffy, Ciaran Clarke and Daryl Murphy are ruled out – but the manager is still able to select 10 of the side that started in their opening qualifier against Serbia back in September.
Brady’s absence may be the only change from that line-up.
Sitting beside O’Neill at yesterday’s pre-match press conference was captain Seamus Coleman.
The Donegal native was quite bullish about Ireland’s prospects.
“We know their players,” said the Everton full-back.
“I just feel we’re going into this game more confident than the previous campaign.
“The Euros brought us all closer together. We’re a good team and we’ve good players and we’re playing good football, and we’re top of the group. There is a lot of talk about Wales but I think they’re going to be in for a game as well.”
