Uefa Nations League Cup B4: Republic of Ireland v Wales (tonight, Dublin, 7.45pm)
THE good news for the Republic of Ireland is that Welsh stars Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey won't be playing tonight.
The pair tortured Martin O'Neill's side in last month's 4-1 hammering in Cardiff, grabbing a goal apiece and causing all sorts of mayhem.
Their joint absence in the Irish capital might make life a little bit easier on the home side's defence in their penultimate Nations League clash - but, as ever, it's hard to see where the goals are coming from for the home side.
Last Saturday night's scoreless draw with Denmark didn't exactly inspire the 40,000-plus crowd with Ireland's best chances coming courtesy of long throw-ins, free-kicks and one rasping drive in the second half from Cyrus Christie.
Shane Long, once again, was Ireland's patron saint of lost causes, isolated and forlorn up front while the Irish defence dropped so deep against the Danes that goalkeeper Darren Randolph must have felt slightly claustrophobic.
At yesterday's press conference, boss Martin O'Neill acknowledged his side were "technically short" but hoped their famous warrior spirit would somehow chisel out a much-needed win over the Welsh to breathe new life into their stuttering Nations League campaign.
“I think everybody in this auditorium would agree that we’re technically short,” said O’Neill, who is again without Seamus Coleman, Stephen Ward, James McCarthy, Robbie Brady, Jonathan Walters, while Callum O’Dowda (concussion) has been added to the missing list.
“But we’re not short of heart. We were well beaten last month [by Wales] but the players have given everything they possibly can for the cause.”
While Euro 2020 qualification begins “in earnest” next March, O’Neill insisted his side would do everything possible to beat Wales and retain their interest in the Nations League.
With Bale and Ramsey out, it's a break the Irish needed. Now, all they need is a break in front of goal.
Republic of Ireland (probable): Randolph, Doherty, McClean, K Long, Keogh, Duffy, Arter, Meyler, Christie, Hendrick, S Long.
