Both teams are coming off difficult losses, Wales a 3-1 penalty shoot-out loss and Ireland a 1-0 loss to Russia. So both teams have a little more to prove.
Wales I would imagine will use this game as another tester, to get game time for some more players and maybe to try some new tactics. The quick counter worked very well against Scotland but they were held back a lot more against Belgium, maybe a formation change or even a personnel change would be worth a look.
I’d be surprised if Rhiannon Roberts gets another 90 minutes, but considering Wales’ options right now, with both Hayley Ladd and Rachel Rowe out of commission, Wales may have to force her to play another game. I don’t imagine the attacking lineup to change much for Wales, although seeing more of the likes of Megan Wynne and Ffion Morgan won’t hurt the team, I don’t expect it to happen. We still need to stick to the veteran players, those who have proven they can score.
Ireland are going to try and get their attackers going again this game. They went 1-0 very early on in the game against Russia and not getting back in the game is such a hard feeling, they’re not going to want to let it happen again. They’ve got goal scorers on their team, but they didn’t get the chance to shine last game. They’re going to want to look to their leaders and experienced players to take a hold of the game and they’ve got the players to do it, they just need to execute the right plan.
Players To Watch
Wales :-
Rhiannon Roberts and Lucy Woodham both gave strong performances against a Belgium team who pushed Wales until the end. Until Rachel Rowe returns I imagine that Roberts is going to be Wales’ defensive stalwart. She gives so much in both defence and attack and it would be wild if she isn’t the first name on the team sheet at the moment.
Clark would be earning her second cap, if she plays this game and aside from the penalty shoot-out Clark had a really strong and steady game and we deserve to see more of her
ROI :-
Katie McCabe is always going to be a big player to watch out for in the Irish midfield. Anyone who’s seen her play for Arsenal this season knows she is a major threat and Wales cannot be caught slacking.
There’s also the two Quinn’s Lucy and Louise (not related), who have scored the only 2 goals for Ireland this tournament. Both women are having strong seasons so far with Birmingham and it’s clearly showing this tournament.
Expected Line-Up
Wales
Clark; R. Roberts, Filbey, Evans, Woodham; James, Fishlock, Harding; Wynne, Green, Jones
Kick off – Wales v Republic of Ireland, Tuesday, 19:30 EST