Belgium vs Ireland
2:00pm Saturday 18th June
Nouveau Stade Bordeaux
It's the one we've been waiting for. Not long to go now.
Belgium are second in the rankings but they've had a dismal week with a poor performance in their loss to Italy and rumours of unrest behind the scenes. Questions have been asked about Marc Wilmots's tactics and it's not clear who will start for them in attack as Lukaku had a bad game and may be axed.
As for ourselves, we look to be without Jon Walters through injury but seem to have a clean bill of health besides that. Big question mark is who replaces Walters. Does McClean come in, or perhaps Meyler? Maybe Christie on the right flank?
Here's hoping Long can get more opportunities in this game and take them when they come along. McCarthy needs a big game too.
How does this one go...I'm expecting a reaction from the Belgians and with De Bruyne rumoured to be getting to play in his preferred number 10 role, I think he will cause us problems. I'm worried. I fear this may be our toughest game. Sadly, my head says it will be Belgium's day but the heart doesn't want to believe that. I think we can get a result but we will need a big performance, an off-day again for Belgium, a bit of luck, and some cool heads to prevail - unlike the game with Sweden.
How do you see this one going? Can we do it?
Come on, Ireland.
