Ireland vs Finland: Everything you need to know about tonight’s Nations League game
The Republic of Ireland currently sit third in their Nations League group behind England and Greece. Their only win was a 2-1 victory away from home against Finland back in October.
They will be looking for two wins out of two against Finland when they play them at the Aviva Stadium this evening.
What time is it on? Where can I watch it? Who has made the squad? Here are the answers to all those questions.
What time does the match kick-off?
The Republic of Ireland play Finland this evening at 7:45pm at the Aviva Stadium.
Where can I watch it?
The game will be on RTÉ Two with coverage starting at 7pm, or you can watch it on the RTÉ Player.
Who has made the squad?
While the starting XI will be named closer to kick-off, Heimir Hallgrimsson has named a 23-man squad.
Goalkeepers: Caoimhin Kelleher (Liverpool), Mark Travers (AFC Bournemouth), Max O’Leary (Bristol City)
Defenders: Seamus Coleman (Everton), Dara O’Shea (Ipswich Town), Nathan Collins (Brentford), Shane Duffy (Norwich City), Mark McGuinness (Luton Town), Liam Scales (Celtic), Callum O’Dowda (Cardiff City).
Midfielders: Josh Cullen (Burnley), Jason Knight (Bristol City), Jayson Molumby (West Bromwich Albion), Finn Azaz (Middlesbrough), Andy Moran (Stoke City, on loan from Brighton and Hove Albion).
Forwards: Adam Idah (Celtic), Evan Ferguson (Brighton and Hove Albion), Tom Cannon (Stoke City, on loan from Leicester City), Troy Parrott (AZ Alkmaar), Festy Ebosele (Watford, on loan from Udinese), Kasey McAteer (Leicester City), Sammie Szmodics (Ipswich Town), Mikey Johnston (West Bromwich Albion).
Hallgrimsson said he is ready to return to the Republic of Ireland’s traditional little and large hit squad as he looks to bring greater firepower to his team.
Ireland have prospered in the recent past when they have played with a front two, with the partnerships between Frank Stapleton and John Aldridge and record scorer Robbie Keane and Niall Quinn among the most notable.
Four games into his reign, Hallgrimsson wants his team to be flexible, but has admitted a front two would be his preference.
He said: “It will also depend on who we are playing and what are our attacking options. If we can create more with two strikers in the centre, that is something we need to be flexible on.
“What players are available? Who are we playing and what kind of defence they have, will they have possession like Greece did? Then we need to adapt.
“It’s something I like. Playing two strikers gives you options that you don’t see much in the game nowadays.”
Who do Ireland play next?
The Republic of Ireland play England at Wembley on Sunday after tonight’s game. The game kicks off at 5pm and will be broadcast on RTÉ Two with coverage starting at 4pm.
Sourse: breakingnews.ie