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How will Ireland line up?
The eleven more or less picks itself at this stage. The only personnel issue relates to who will fill the right-wing slot. After a strong performance against Italy, it would seem likely that Stoke's more physical Liam Lawrence will oust Celtic's straw man Aiden McGeady and the pesky Stephen Hunt of Hull. Lawrence's more robust approach, set-piece prowess, and greater consistency make him the stronger candidate.
How will Ireland play?
Conservatively. After ten competitive fixtures under Trappatoni, the approach is more than familiar. No need for the French to dispatch any spies. Ireland will play 4-4-2. Even when in possession of the ball, Ireland will seek to keep five if not six players behind the ball. The full backs will not be encouraged to overlap - leaving dangerous space behind them for opponents to exploit should an attack break down. The screening midfielders - Glenn Whelan and Keith Andrews - will rarely be seen ahead of the ball for more or less the same reason. The front four, the two forwards and the wide men will be responsible for almost all offensive duties in open play.
How will Ireland score?
Best hope is via a set-piece. Although Messrs Duff, Keane, Doyle and Lawrence do pose a threat, Ireland's games against Bulgaria and Italy (the only real quality in our qualifying group) suggest that free-kicks and corners will present the most likely route to goal.
Of the five goals Ireland scored against this opposition, four came from set-pieces. Sean St Ledger, Richard Dunne and John O'Shea will pose as much of threat to the French goal as the Irish forwards.
How can Ireland qualify?
Ireland's most impressive results under Trappatoni have been draws - home and away against the Italians and the Bulgarians. Should Ireland some how dump the French on their expensive derrieres, it would not be surprising if it was after two low scoring draws. Trappatoni would be delighted to leave Croke Park on Saturday night with a 0-0 draw in the bag, feeling that a 1-1 draw in Paris would not beyond his charges. The French will certainly feel they can win both legs - but keeping a clean sheet for Ireland is surely a must if Ireland are to progress.
How can we have any hope?
There are two reasons for moderate optimism:
1. Under Trap, Ireland have yet to be pummelled by anyone in a competitive fixture. Hopefully, organisation, obduracy, and a solid dollop of fighting spirit will keep it tight - and then maybe Lady Luck will deflect one in.
2. In their qualifying campaign, the French only kept clean sheets against the group minnows Lithuania and the Faroe Islands. They shipped three in Austria, two away to struggling Romania - whilst conceding at home to both of these sides plus the group winning Serbs. Chances should present themselves - but Ireland simply must not pass up any such opportunities if the dream is to become reality.
Paul Little
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