Euro 2024-bound Switzerland will continue the build-up to this summer’s finals on Tuesday night when they tackle the Republic of Ireland in Dublin.
After goalless draws in their first March friendly against Belgium, interim boss John O’Shea will be keen for the Republic of Ireland to build further momentum when they take on Switzerland on Tuesday night.
Still on the lookout for a new permanent manager following Stephen Kenny’s departure after a three-and-a-half-year reign in charge and reeling from a disastrous UEFA Euro 2024 Qualifiers campaign, it is fair to say John O’Shea’s side were in chaos heading into the Belgium game.
However, they produced a strong performance to earn a more than credible 0-0 draw with the Red Devils on Saturday. It could have been an even more impressive audition for the permanent role for O’Shea had striker Evan Ferguson scored an early penalty. But all things considered, it was a positive result.
Switzerland, on the other hand, began their preparations for this summer’s Euros in neighbouring Germany by facing Denmark at Parken on Saturday, with the Danes protecting a lengthy undefeated home record. Die Nati were eventually unable to break their hosts’ streak, but a hard-fought goalless draw did halt a nine-game run without an away clean sheet.
Switzerland advanced to their sixth continental final in six years at the end of last year after finishing second in Group I, although coach Murat Yakin has faced criticism for both his managerial style and a concerning fall in performance.
Team News & Tactics
Republic of Ireland
After a decent performance against Belgium last night, John O’Shea may stay away from making too many changes on Tuesday evening. The 3-4-3 formation used against Belgium worked very well from a defensive point of view, although they were left short in numbers in attack at times.
Caoimhin Kelleher was fully deserving of the chance to play last night, with the Liverpool man performing brilliantly against Belgium. He could keep his spot between the sticks behind the back three of Andrew Omobamidele, Nathan Collins, and Jake O’Brien.
Festy Ebosele was given only a brief cameo off the bench against Belgium. But considering that Seamus Coleman is unlikely to play a second game in three days, the Udinese attacking full-back could start on Tuesday in the right wing-back position.
Ryan Manning was a late addition to the squad after recovering from injury and could replace Robbie Brady on the opposite flank. Josh Cullen and William Smallbone will form the midfield double-pivot.
Chiedozie Ogbene was not at his best this past weekend, although he still produced some impressive dribbles at times. Blackburn Rovers’ attacker Sammie Szmodics was very impressive during his international debut, putting in a good performance despite playing out of position. With Evan Ferguson set to keep his central role, Szmodics will line up as a left-inside forward here.
Probable Lineup (3-4-2-1): Kelleher; Omobamidele, Collins, O’Brien; Ebosele, Cullen, Smallbone, Manning; Ogbene, Szmodics; Ferguson
Switzerland
Switzerland have a bit of a goalkeeping crisis to cope with, as Yann Sommer picked up an ankle injury in Denmark and was substituted by Lorient shot-stopper Yvon Mvogo. Borussia Dortmund’s No. 1 Gregor Kobel has already withdrawn from the squad to receive treatment back in Germany.
Head coach Murat Yakin will retain his team’s shape and field a rotated back-three consisting of Manuel Akanji, Nico Elvedi, and Ricardo Rodriguez. In midfield, the manager should keep faith in Granit Xhaka, Remo Freuler, and Michel Aebischer to control the area.
Bologna winger Dan Ndoye could be handed a chance to impress at right wing-back, with Ruben Vargas manning the opposite flank. Long-term absentee Breel Embolo is still on the path back from ACL surgery, but Yakin has plenty of other attacking options at his disposal.
AC Milan forward Noah Okafor lined up alongside Vargas in a two-pronged frontline at the weekend. But Zeki Amdouni and Servette winger Dereck Kutesa are both vying for a spot in attack.
Probable Lineup (3-5-2): Mvogo; Akanji, Elvedi, Rodriguez; Ndoye, Xhaka, Freuler, Aebischer, Vargas; Okafor, Amdouni
Key Stats
- Six of Switzerland’s last eight games have finished all-square.
- Three of the last five meetings between these two sides have ended in draws.
- In their last five games in all competitions, Ireland have one win, one draw, and three losses in their
- The Swiss have recorded just one win in eight games since a 3-0 defeat to Andorra last September.
Player to Watch
Evan Ferguson
Evan Ferguson worked relentlessly against Belgium, but things just did not come off for him on the night. The penalty miss summed up his luck, with the teenager losing his footing just as he made contact with the ball.
While the youngster is currently in the midst of a long goalless run, there should be no concerns about his long-term prospects, and he is due a goal sooner than later, perhaps against Switzerland on Tuesday.
Prediction
Republic of Ireland 1-1 Switzerland
The Republic of Ireland were in disarray heading into the game against Belgium, with many predicting that bridging the gap would surely prove beyond the Boys in Green. However, John O’Shea’s side more than held their own against Belgium and could benefit from this Swiss outfit’s failure to convert their loads of possession into high-quality chances and goals.
Based on form, there should not be much between these two sides in Dublin, and they can both score in a 1-1 draw.