The Green Machíne Irish squad prediction for Belgium/Lithuania

So here we are again, looking forward to another Ireland squad announcement tomorrow! These squads have become so much harder to predict but there is likely to be more of a familiarity with this one given Stephen Kenny’s preference to go with the tried and trusted.

Nonetheless, David, Nick and Martin give their squad predictions for tomorrow in what is a hybrid of who they would like along with who the expect to see in the squad. They have gone for a 26 man squad (except Nick the cheeky fecker!), the same number as the November squad although this could certainly vary.

The 26 for me, none of that 25 bollocks… If Kenny goes with the latter, he’s lying.

I’ve left out Robbie Brady and James McCarthy, because I don’t want them anywhere near the team.

Nothing against the pair, I just want to see Nick cry when his two favourite players are left out again. A special mention goes to Ciaran Clark…

For Callum O’Dowda, see the above and insert Martin.

I’m really hoping Harry Arter isn’t picked, he has as much business being in that Ireland team as I do at a peace rally.

Surely Obafemi has to be in the team, the lad has settled down and Kenny must use this opportunity to build those broken bridges.

That and Adam Idah is injured…

David

I find these squads always end up being fairly obvious but I’ve gone for a couple of lads who I feel deserve to be in the squad but very well might not be in Connor Ronan, Michael Obafemi and based on his excellent performance for Boro against Birmingham, Aaron Connolly.

Sean McLoughlin is my wildcard given his form and the balance he could give on the left hand side of a back three but realistically, seven centre-haves might be a bit outrageous. Mark Sykes is another wildcard for me but I think he will miss out.

The rest picks itself, I personally wouldn’t have Alan Browne near the squad but I’ve accepted he’s a mainstay for some reason and I wouldn’t be surprised is Ronan Curtis sneaks in. Apart from that, I would be delighted to see this squad.

Nick

I personally would have had Fetsy Ebosele in the squad but he’s obviously gone in with the under-21’s. I also think think O’Shea/Coleman may be called up but may not play.

Although Kenny has said won’t be experimental as much, I think these games are an opportunity to give match minutes to Keane, Dunne and Lenihan especially. It sends a positive message to Obafemi to welcome him back into the senior squad as seems to have settled down. Hope he also rotates all 3 keepers over the 2 games.

Martin

The Green Machíne Podcast Team