The teams are in.
The Republic of Ireland team to play Denmark has been named.
Martin O’Neill’s side take on the Danes in Dublin in a crucial Uefa Nations League tie at the Aviva Stadium.
No-one needs reminding of what happened the last time Denmark came to the Irish capital.
Victory for Ireland on Saturday night would not heal the wounds of that defeat. But it would at least help the team as they seek to qualify for Euro 2020.
If they finish bottom of the Nations League mini-group, O’Neill’s side will be seeded third in qualification for Euro 2020, giving them a difficult task to make the finals in two year’s time.
If they qualify for Euro 2020, Ireland will play two matches at the Aviva Stadium, as the tournament is set to be hosted by different cities throughout Europe. So, the stakes are high.
The Ireland team that should play against Denmark in Dublin https://t.co/BUB0gA5SDk
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) October 13, 2018
There has been some good news for Ireland ahead of the match. Christian Eriksen, who scored a hat-trick in Dublin last November, will miss the game through injury.
Seamus Coleman, Jonathan Walters and Stephen Ward are also missing through injury. But O’Neill still has more options available than last month when a depleted squad were hammered 4-1 by Wales in Cardiff.
James McClean, Harry Arter and Shane Long return to the squad. All three start, as does Matt Doherty, the in-form Wolves wing-back. Doherty appears to be on the left, with Cyrus Christie on the right.
Richard Keogh captains the team.
Here’s the team:
BREAKING: Matt Doherty makes his first start for Ireland as Martin O'Neill names his team to face Denmark! #COYBIG pic.twitter.com/K0zNTJDho7
— Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) October 13, 2018
I could be wrong, but I think this is how Ireland will set up. It's always hard to tell under O'Neill though.#IREDEN pic.twitter.com/Cti5stlmqB
— Robert Redmond (@RobRedmond10) October 13, 2018
