Uefa European Under-21 qualifiers: Republic of Ireland v Sweden, Tuesday November 16th, Tallaght Stadium, kick-off 7pm (Live on RTÉ).
"It's win or bust. We have to. There's no two ways about it," said Ireland under-21 boss Jim Crawford after suffering defeat to Italy last Friday.
Ireland are now seven points behind Sweden, who come to Tallaght on Tuesday night knowing that a draw will leave the Boys in Green a mammoth task to occupy one of the top two positions in their group.
The Swedes have played a game more than Ireland, playing six winning four and drawing just two. A 6-0 hammering of Luxembourg and a point earned in Italy have been the highpoints of a good qualifying campaign so far.
Manchester United youngster Anthony Elanga will be the one that Ireland have to watch out for. The 19-year-old has made two league appearances for United, scoring the winner against Wolves on the last day of last season.
Crawford is aware of the Swedish talent. “He (Elanga) plays wide left and is quick. I’m sure he’ll start Tuesday, so we’ll have to find a way of keeping him quiet. He is a big threat.”
Sweden defeated Bosnia & Herzegovina 4-0 and arrive in Dublin hoping to keep up the pressure on second placed side Italy.
Ireland struggled to keep possession of the ball in the final third, something that will have to improve in order to get a positive result against Sweden.
“When we get into the top end of the pitch, we could be more clinical,” lamented Crawford.
Gavin Kilkenny and Conor Coventry occupied the double pivot in midfield last Friday and are expected to do so again on Tuesday. Captain Coventry knows there cannot be any more mistakes.
“We have to try and win all of them. We are well capable of it, and we will go into it believing we can. I think with a bit more confidence on Tuesday, a bit more belief in what we are doing and conviction, we can beat them (Sweden). We still have belief in the group and hopefully we can get back on track,” said Coventry.
Bohemians' duo Ross Tierney and Dawson Devoy impressed after coming on against Italy and will hope they have done enough to put themselves into the starting XI.
Lee O'Connor suffered a slight knock last Friday, and another Bohs player Andy Lyons could deputise for him.
Crawford has picked three different strikers in the last three games, with Colm Whelan, JJ Kayode and Evan Ferguson all been given the nod. Rotherham striker Kayode could be given the role once more as Ireland look to secure a much needed three points.
Ireland (Possible): Maher; O'Connor, O'Brien, McGuinness, Bagan; Coventry, Kilkenny; Ebosele, Smallbone, Wright; Kayode
Sweden (Possible): Brolin; A. Hussein, Ousou, Vagi?, Svensson; B. Hussein, Gustafsson; Elanga, Hajal, Wålemark; Sarr
Referee: Peter Kralovic (Slovakia)
