Ireland will resume their World Cup qualifying campaign this weekend, with Heimir Hallgrimsson’s side facing into the daunting task of travelling to take on Portugal this weekend.
Coming up against one of the best teams in the world, expectations were always going to be low heading into this fixture. However, the nature of the Ireland’s performances last month mean that even less is expected from the side in Lisbon.
A much improved display will be required if the team is to regain any of the optimism that was lost following the defeat in Armenia, with the manager likely to make some changes to the starting XI from that game.
Here is the team we predict he will pick for the fixture at the Estádio José Alvalade.
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Predicting The Ireland Team Hallgrimsson Will Pick Vs Portugal
Formation: 4-4-1-1
Heimir Hallgrimsson has favoured some variation of this formation form most of his time in charge of Ireland.
With the personnel in the team, it will also give the option to switch to a back three or back five at various points throughout the game.
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GK: CaoimhÃn Kelleher
Perhaps the most nailed on selection in the team, CaoimhÃn Kelleher is probably the most important player in the Ireland squad at the moment.
The Brentford man can expect to have a busy night in the Portuguese capital.
RB: Jake O’Brien
It would be a surprise to see Seamus Coleman start this game considering his lack of football this season, meaning Jake O’Brien looks like a shoe-in to start at right back.
His long throw-ins have become a key part of Ireland’s game plan, while his physical presence will also be important in a game where the team will expect to be under severe pressure for lengthy periods.
CB: Nathan Collins
Nathan Collins was not at his best during the September international window, but he remains a key player in this Irish side.
He will be expected to captain the team once again, although it will be hoped that he improves quite a bit from his most recent displays in a green jersey.
CB: Dara O’Shea
You would expect that O’Shea will continue his partnership with Collins in this fixture, especially if our other predictions in the back four are correct.
Like his fellow centre back, the Ipswich Town man was not at his best last month and will be hoping to bounce back with a couple of strong displays this time around.
LB: Liam Scales
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With Robbie Brady and Callum O’Dowda both absent due to injury, we have a suspicion that Hallgrimsson could select a quartet of natural centre backs in Portugal.
That would see him replicate the approach used frequently by Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta in recent seasons, although whether Ireland could produce the defensive solidity of the Premier League leaders remains an altogether different conversation.
In any case, Liam Scales has played in this position on numerous occasions for both club and country and should have no issue filling in.
RM: Chiedozie Ogbene
Chiedozie Ogbene will act as a key outlet on the counterattack in this fixture, with his running ability having troubled some top nations in the past.
The 28-year old has finally got a consistent run of games under his belt since joining Sheffield United this season, having suffered a nightmare 12 months with injuries up to that point.
CM: Josh Cullen
The midfield remains a real concern for Ireland, but there is little to suggest that Heimir Hallgrimsson will look to make wholesale changes in that area.
Josh Cullen has impressed with Burnley this season and remains a guaranteed starter at international level when fit.
CM: Will Smallbone
With Jason Knight ruled out due to injury, Will Smallbone looks like the most likely partner for Josh Cullen in the middle third.
The Millwall player can expect to have a busy night off the ball against a talented Portuguese midfield.
LM: Ryan Manning
Ryan Manning could feature at left back, although we could see Hallgrimsson playing him on the wing in an effort to add some defensive solidity on that left flank.
The Galway man produced possibly his finest performance in a green shirt against Hungary last month and will be looking to replicate that this time around.
CAM: Finn Azaz
While Hallgrimsson could play Jack Taylor here in an effort to bring another big body into midfield, it would be a surprise were Finn Azaz not to be in the side on Saturday evening.
The Southampton man is capable of adding a much needed creative spark to the Ireland side, although that was lacking in the September window. Still, he has shown over the last 12 months that he can be an important player at international level.
Troy Parrott will be considered here too, but he is lacking match fitness after his return from injury over the weekend.
ST: Evan Ferguson
There remains some doubts around Even Ferguson’s fitness coming into this game, with the Roma man the only member of the squad not to train in Dublin on Tuesday afternoon.
However, it is expected that he will be available against Portugal. He will start if able to do so, with Ferguson Ireland’s standout outfield player last month.
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The Team In Full
It would not be a surprise to see Heimir Hallgrimsson start four natural centre backs in this game, something we have seen used to great effect in the Premier League by the likes of Mikel Arteta in recent times.
A big defensive performance will certainly be needed if Ireland are to get an unexpected result.
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