World Cup Qualifiers - Saturday Preview
Thursday, 26 March 09, 08:58 AM · Comments(1)
By Stuart Gillespie
It's a big week of international football for three of the home nations and the Republic of Ireland, all of whose groups are finely poised. Students of the Game previews Saturday's matches.
Netherlands v Scotland (Group Nine, 2nd with 4 points)
Numerous squad pull-outs mean many Scots fear a repeat of the 6-0 drubbing their side received last time they visited Amsterdam. Injuries and hissy fits have deprived George Burley of (deep breath) David Weir, Paul Hartley, Barry Robson, Kevin Thomson, Shaun Maloney, Kris Commons, Kris Boyd, James McFadden and several more. It also looks likely that Stephen McManus will miss out, and Burley has said he will not risk Alan Hutton. Finally, Craig Gordon's lack of club football has seen him usurped by Allan McGregor in goal.
The Dutch, meanwhile, are in rude health, and Bert van Marwijk will be able to call on the likes of Robben, Sneijder, van Persie and Huntelaar.
Ideally, Scotland would have continued with the 4-1-4-1 formation they favour against top opposition, with Hartley in front of the defence. In the absence of the Celtic man, Gary Caldwell could have fulfilled that role, but with McManus also likely to miss out, Caldwell will have to partner debutant Christophe Berra in defence.
The performance of midfield trio Scott Brown, Darren Fletcher and Barry Ferguson will therefore be crucial to the Scots' fortunes. Brown has been outstanding in a mediocre Celtic team, while Fletcher finally appears to have silenced his critics this season.
Whatever the outcome (and it doesn't look good), at least the Tartan Army are in the right place to make a decent weekend of it.
Northern Ireland v Poland (Group Three, 2nd with 7 points)
Northern Ireland have punched above their weight recently, and this campaign under Nigel Worthington has been no different. They sit second in a tough group containing the Czech Republic, Poland, Slovenia and Slovakia.
The Poles visit Windsor Park on Saturday and it will take another superhuman effort from David Healy and co to see off Leo Beenhakker's solid outfit. A draw would keep Norn Iron ticking over nicely though, in their quest for at least a play-off place.
Republic of Ireland v Bulgaria (Group Eight, 2nd with 10 points)
This game presents an excellent chance for Trap's mean to make Group Eight a two horse race with Italy. Already seven points ahead of second-placed Bulgaria, a win would set up Wednesday's clash with the Azzuri very nicely indeed.
And the Republic could not have asked for better circumstances for Saturday's match: Bulgaria will be without star man Dimitar Berbatov and long-term absentee Martin Petrov, while Shay Given and Aidan McGeady have been passed fit for the Irish.
Don't blow it guys...
Wales v Finland (Group Four, 3rd with 6 points)
Germany look to have this one sewn up, so it's between Wales, Russia and Finland for the potential play-off spot. And as striker Rob Earnshaw has acknowledged, a win on Saturday is crucial if Wales are to have any chance of keeping up with Guus Hiddink's side.
With Craig Bellamy unlikely to be fully match-fit, Earnshaw will need to be on top of his game - matches involving the Welsh have been tight affairs in this campaign, and a single goal may settle it.
Like this blog? Help spread the word: 
-
Freddy said:Interesting to revisit this after 4 of 6 matches. Liverpool clearly are struggl...
Freddy said:Also never bet on a match involving your own side. Too messy!
obaino said:i love ibra and i think he's better than eto'o, for now cos eto'o have realy pl...
Freddy said:I'm curious to see if English sides maintain their domination. But some pretty ...
-
studentsofthegame
GB
We really should be getting paid for this.
1 Comments · Add yours
What was that? A preview of Scotland Holland without a mention of Archie Gemmill? Well I never.
I think it could be a tough weekend for the British teams. Scotland will need a miracle, Poland aren't as bad as they looked in Euro 2008 and Finland showed how well they can play against Germany. Ireland look to have the best chance especially with Jesus Keane upfront.