Republic of Ireland vs New Zealand
The Republic of Ireland will get to host New Zealand in an International Friendly game on Thursday at the Aviva Stadium.
With UEFA Euro spots still up for grabs, this should be a perfect time for team boss Mick McCarthy to further evaluate his players as they prepare ahead of their match against Denmark next Monday night.
Drawn level at 12 points apiece, a win over the Danes would seal the Republic’s spot for the next round in Group D.
On the other hand, New Zealand are entering a new era when Fritz Schmid made his abrupt exit after a 16-month tenure. He is replaced by Danny Hay, who boasts quite an extensive resume.
The International Friendly 2019 odds might slightly favour the Republic on this one, but for sure Danny Hay’s men will do everything they can to give them a run for their money.
Allow SBOBET to give you a glimpse on what’s ahead this Thursday evening.
Talking Points
Big Mick’s young guns and injury concerns
Ahead of this match, team manager Mick McCarthy bared that he plans to integrate more of his young players as they’ve settled well into his system.
“You’ve seen my team, it’s been pretty settled. I say we need to play them with the same respect, but quite clearly the game doesn’t have the same importance,” said McCarthy in a recent interview.
“The players know that, I know that, I’ve been there. You want to play well in a friendly and there are a few nerves, but it’s not like Monday night. Let them get in and play well. Let’s hope they play well and we win and let’s see how I feel about them after the game,” he added.
The uncapped pair of Troy Parrott and Lee O’Connor are expected to debut for the Boys in Green, while their best player in Seamus Coleman will be there to guide them.
On the other hand, there is some concern for Aaron Connolly as he was carted off in Brighton’s recent loss against Manchester United. The 19-year-old forward suffered a groin injury and he will be further evaluated by the medical staff.
Connolly made his international debut last month in the Republic’s 0-0 draw against Georgia after netting two goals for Brighton on his first ever Premier League start.
Darren Randolph, meanwhile, will be considered questionable ahead on Thursday after being sidelined for three weeks due to a thigh injury. This development might give an opportunity for either Sean McDermott or James Talbot to man the goal post for the Boys in Green.
The All Whites are building something new
New Zealand aren’t really known as a football powerhouse, and a big part of that is because they aren’t able to field in teams in the past that are in full strength.
New coach Danny Hay will have the unenviable task of finding the right talent in order to build a sustainable future for the All Whites.
According to the International Friendly 2019 news, Hay started off by selecting some experienced veterans in the national team roster. He picked out Chris Wood from Burnley, Tommy Smith from the Colorado Rapids in the MLS, and Winston Reid from West Ham United.
Those three should be vital cogs for the All Whites as they’re still in their primes physically and they have the experience to lead the squad.
Winston Reid should be the wildcard for the New Zealanders, as he is just coming back from a knee injury that sidelined him for more than a year. It remains to be seen on whether he’ll be at full strength come Thursday, but the 31-year-old defender insisted that he’ll be all right.
“I did some light training today, I trained all of last week, so there shouldn’t be any issues, and I’ll be ready,” said Reid.
“I’ve been fortunate enough throughout my career that I haven’t had too many serious injuries. There [are] a few scars here and there, but I’ve been pretty blessed, so it’s just part and parcel of the game,” he added.
Reid will mark his 10th anniversary of his debut for the national team since that standout moment when he headed a goal against Slovakia that gave his team its first point back in the 2010 World Cup.
With a free hand to fill out the national team roster, Danny Hay should be able to implement his hard-nosed philosophy on defence, which includes a lot of pressing and crisp passing.
“With the type of players we’ve got now, with the creativity we’ve got now, going forward we can be a little bit more expansive,” said Hay.
“[It should be] underpinned by a quick transition mentality and defending through aggressive, collective, intelligent pressing,” he added.
History
This match on Thursday will mark the first time where these two clubs will lock horns in an International Friendly.
The road team is currently on roll as they are yet to be beaten in their last six matches. On the other hand, the Republic’s last loss was against Wales back in September.
●●●
CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE FOOTBALL STORIES & ODDS
Stay updated with everything sports and betting.
Follow us on social Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
