LET’S FACE IT, Saturday evening’s draw with Georgia was as enjoyable as a dentist’s appointment on a wet Tuesday morning in January.
And yet it somehow felt like every other Ireland match of the Martin O’Neill era; score early, sit-back and defend, concede anyway, have a pop at Tony O’Donoghue in the post-match interview, repeat.
If Ireland are to qualify, they’ll need a much better performance against Serbia this week and, below, we take a look at the main talking points heading into the game.
But, if you think you know how it’s going to play out, why not put your money where your mouth is here.
1. Will Wes Hoolahan get recalled?
The biggest talking point before, during and after the Republic of Ireland’s dismal showing against Georgia was Wes Hoolahan’s omission from the lineup.
With Martin O’Neill’s side having struggled so badly with ball retention on Saturday, one would assume the Norwich playmaker will slot into midfield.
O’Neill has stipulated that the battle with Serbia is now a must-win. That means chances need to be created.
No Irish player has produced more assists in this qualification campaign than the 35-year-old but Hoolahan remains something of a thorny issue for O’Neill.
It’s been levelled at the Ireland boss previously that he remains unconvinced by the former Shelbourne player’s ability. Also, it hardly does the player many favours when there’s so much anticipation over whether or not he starts a game.
After all, at Carrow Road, he’s been in the starting XI for just two Championship fixtures so far this season.
But, look around. Hoolahan, despite his age and general lack of club playing time, remains a unique player in the Irish panel. And we badly need his skill-set if we’re to get a decent result against the Serbs.
Weso to win man of the match – 4/1
2. Support cast need to step up
While Hoolahan is a consistent conversation topic, he shouldn’t be looked upon as the solution to all of the issues permeating O’Neill’s side.
He is an answer to some problems, not the answer to everything.
And by focusing so much attention on him, it gives the other players a little unnecessary buffer.
The Hoolahan talk has deflected from some other, more important topics. The litany of basic errors committed at the weekend was unforgivable. The attitude was inexplicable. There was no player able to put their foot on the ball and dictate. There was no player leading by example. There was no player taking the game by the scruff of its neck.
There’s a fine line between stepping up and merely racing around a pitch to try and let people know you’re putting in a shift.
Effort is non-negotiable. Players shouldn’t be praised for it. Afterwards on Saturday, we heard about the hard graft that the likes of Jon Walters and James McClean put in. That’s absurd. That’s just a basic requirement.
We should expect more. And we shouldn’t feel bad for it.
Jon Walters to score in both halves – 25/1
3. Where are the goals going to come from?
It was always astounding to hear from Irish fans who criticised Robbie Keane and dismissed his scoring record for Ireland. A large portion believed he could do it against the Faroe Islands and Malta but not when it mattered most.
Of course, lost in that supposed logic was the fact that Keane was able to do it against the Faroe Islands and Malta.
Since he’s walked away from the international scene, there is nobody around with his innate penalty-area talents.
In Ireland’s last four games, the team has scored three times.
There is no consistent attacker available to the side. So, we rely on the sum of our parts. But, over the last few games, that hasn’t worked.
So, when we head into a fixture and require a win, it’s tough to figure out where the goals are going to come from.
Walters scored in back-to-back games in June but that was the last time he found the net. Since moving to Burnley, he’s started just one game and that was in the League Cup.
Shane Long’s first competitive start of the season came at the weekend – for his country. The last time he scored was February.
Can McClean be trusted to keep up his rather inexplicable recent run of international goals? Hardly.
Shane Long last goalscorer – 7/1
4. How do you solve a problem like Nemanja?
In contrast, Serbia have players in form. If Ireland are to find a rhythm, midfield will be key. Yet, Serbia hold the ace.
Nemanja Matic has begun his career with Manchester United incredibly well. From their first three games, they’ve racked up maximum points, a hatful of goals and are playing a vibrant, exciting brand of football.
Providing the platform for them is Matic. In his league debut, he was superb against West Ham. And there’s a consistency he brings that United greatly lacked last term. He’s assured, calm, composed. And that rubs off on others around him who can worry about their own game, safe in the knowledge Matic’s awareness and understanding means he’s got them covered.
The Irish team badly lacked that kind of safety at the weekend. And if they back off and allow Serbia dictate proceedings on Tuesday, the guests have the perfect conductor of their orchestra to rely on.
Serbia (-1) – 5/1
5. A turning point?
Let’s finish on a high.
How many times have we seen Ireland play possum in the first half a double header and then, inexplicably, put together a totally different performance a few days later?
20-odd young Irish men have essentially been locked in a hotel with a visibly cranky Martin O’Neill and his banter-busting vibes man Roy Keane for the weekend; they’ll know a big night’s work is demanded tomorrow night in Dublin.
Though Saturday’s result in Tblisi was compounded by a Welsh victory over Austria a few hours later, Ireland can still drive on from here and book an automatic World Cup spot.
A big home win against the Serbs at the Aviva will put Ireland top of Group D tomorrow night with a relative gimme against Moldova to come next month and then that trip to Cardiff.
Ireland to top the group 11/4
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