Ireland take on Portugal in a key qualifier at the Aviva Stadium on Thursday evening, needing a positive result to keep any slim hopes of reaching next summer’s World Cup alive.

That will be no easy task against a very talented Portuguese side. The prospect will be made all the more difficult by a number of absentees due to injury and suspension.

With that in mind, here is the Ireland team we want to see against Portugal.

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The Ireland Team We Want To See Against Portugal
Formation: 5-4-1

While the use of a five-man defence at home against Armenia last month was a bizarre choice, the system fits better against Portugal. Ireland had a bit of success with the formation away against the Portuguese and will look to replicate that in Dublin this time around.

 

GK: Caoimhín Kelleher

Perhaps the most straightforward selection in the team, Kelleher will need to produce a big performance if Ireland to get an unexpected result in this game.

RWB: Seamus Coleman

Seamus Coleman was excellent in the return fixture last month and it was perhaps no coincidence that the team conceded the only goal of the game soon after he was taken off.

You would imagine he will start again in this game.

CB: Jake O’Brien

Jake O’Brien is likely to be moved to a more central position for this game, having operated largely as a right back for most of his international career.

His aerial ability will be an asset in both boxes in this fixture.

CB: Nathan Collins

Nathan Collin is set to captain the side in this game and will likely be the anchor at the centre of the defence.

The Kildare man has produced some mixed form in an Ireland shirt in recent times, but he will need to be at his best for this one.

CB: Dara O’Shea

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Ipswich Town captain Dara O’Shea rounds out the central defenders in this team, having been a consistent fixture in the side over the last three years or so.

LWB: Liam Scales

Left back is a problem position for Ireland in this fixture. First choice player Ryan Manning is suspended, while the likes of Robbie Brady, Callum O’Dowda, and Matt Doherty are unavailable due to injury.

The uncapped Kevin O’Toole has been called up to cover the position, although Liam Scales looks like the most likely selection. The Celtic man would add a bit of extra defensive stability in a game that the home side can expect to be under quite a bit of pressure at the back.

RM: Festy Ebosele

Festy Ebosele has been one of the few bright spots for Ireland in this campaign, acting as a real live wire on the right flank.

He has to start this game, with his pace a real asset on the counterattack.

CM: Josh Cullen

Josh Cullen has been a nailed on starter in a green jersey for quite some time, something that looks unlikely to change in the near future.

The Burnley man will be asked to cover a lot of ground on Thursday night against a Portugal team that will dominate the ball.

CM: Jack Taylor

Central midfield has been an issue for Ireland for a number of years, but they look particularly light in that area for this fixture. The likes of Will Smallbone and Jason Knight are out injured, while Jayson Molumby is unavailable due to suspension.

Jack Taylor looks set to start as a result, although his performance at international level in recent teams have been fairly poor. That is something that will need to improve on this occasion if Hallgrimsson’s side are to get any sort of foothold in the game.

LM: Finn Azaz

Chiedozie Ogbene has not hit his usual heights in green during this campaign, meaning he might be better suited to an impact sub role against Portugal.

Mikey Johnston will be considered, although we would go with Finn Azaz to add a bit of extra composure in possession.

ST: Troy Parrott

Adam Idah’s physicality and running power could appeal for this fixture, but this has to be Troy Parrott’s opportunity to impress.

The Dubliner has been in brilliant form at club level, although his recent injury has limited his impact with Ireland. Having now regained his fitness, Parrott has to be given the chance to start up front against Portugal.

The Team In Full
ireland team we want portugal

In truth, this team is lacking in a few areas. The midfield is a massive concern, and while the back line is defensively solid, it does not offer much in possession.

A smash and grab will clearly be needed if Ireland are to get a shock result on Thursday night and keep their World Cup campaign alive.

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