Ireland prepares for crucial showdown against Armenia with potential return to back-five strategy

The Republic of Ireland is gearing up for a pivotal match against Armenia at the Aviva Stadium. This World Cup Group F qualifier is scheduled for Tuesday at 7:45 PM, live on Emegypt. With the backdrop of a previous defeat to Armenia in Yerevan, captain Nathan Collins has expressed the team’s desire to set things right on home soil.

Previous Encounter and Current Challenges

Just a month has passed since Ireland’s disappointing performance in Armenia, where they failed to showcase their true potential. Collins noted, “Football’s such a mad sport, anything can happen.” He acknowledged that team morale took a hit, as the squad believed they were better than what they displayed that night.

Head coach Heimir Hallgrímsson emphasized the need for a more ambitious approach. In their last match against Portugal, Ireland struggled offensively. “It wasn’t fun to be a striker in our team,” Hallgrímsson admitted. He also mentioned that five defenders could be utilized again, depending on how comfortable the team feels with that formation.

Team Adjustments and Player Updates

Josh Cullen’s suspension will create an enforced change in the lineup. Following his second booking in the campaign, Hallgrímsson has called up Conor Coventry from Charlton as an option in midfield. Will Smallbone is likely to fill Cullen’s role alongside Jayson Molumby. There may be further changes, based on the players’ fitness after the match in Lisbon.

• Players at risk of change:
  • Will Smallbone for Josh Cullen
  • Mikey Johnston for Festy Ebosele

Meanwhile, Armenia’s head coach, Yegishe Melikyan, is also facing challenges. Following their 2-0 defeat to Hungary, he lamented the absence of a traditional striker to capitalize on scoring opportunities. Armenia’s away record is concerning, with only one win in their last 13 matches on the road.

Fan Support and Expectations

The Football Association of Ireland has reported a surge in ticket sales for the upcoming game, with over 45,000 tickets sold. This increase reflects a renewed optimism among supporters after Ireland’s resilient display in Lisbon. Hallgrímsson expressed his gratitude for the fans who supported the team, stating, “Hopefully they will show up again.”

Collins reinforced the importance of home support, hoping the team can deliver a performance that brings joy to the crowd. “We have a chance to put right what happened last time against Armenia,” he said. The players are determined to regain pride in wearing the green jersey, recognizing that representing Ireland is both a privilege and a source of pressure.