Post by Taxigirl on Sept 7, 2005 9:15:57 GMT
skysports.planetfootball.com
by Graeme Bailey
Sven Goran Eriksson is set to change a winning side as England travel to Belfast to face Northern Ireland in their latest World Cup qualifier.
The Three Lions are still on course to book a place in Germany, but also know that they cannot afford any slip-ups with Poland keeping up the pace at the top of Group 6.
Eriksson's men are facing the second game of a British double-header which has already seen them seal a much-maligned 1-0 victory over Wales in Cardiff.
The Swede insists he is merely happy to take three points from any qualifier, rather than concentrate on the performance - or lack of one.
Despite winning at The Millennium Stadium on Saturday, Eriksson is going to change his line-up.
Vice-captain Michael Owen will be recalled after proving his fitness to Eriksson over the past few days in training.
It was always suspected that either Shaun Wright-Phillips or Joe Cole (pictured) would make way for Newcastle's new number 10.
It was widely thought that Wright-Phillips - who was controversially substituted against Wales - would make way, but it has now emerged that Cole is likely to be the man to drop out, despite the fact he scored the winner against the Welsh.
With Owen coming in, Wayne Rooney will switch towards the left side, allowing Wright-Phillips to continue on the right.
Because of Wright-Phillips's inclusion, captain David Beckham will again continue in an unfamiliar 'anchor' role behind Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard.
England's defence will remain unchanged - meaning Charlton's Luke Young will continue at right back alongside Jamie Carragher, Rio Ferdinand and Ashley Cole.
Northern Ireland boss Lawrie Sanchez is expected to have the luxury of naming an unchanged line-up.
The Irish secured their first win in over four years on Saturday as they beat Azerbaijan 2-0 - the same margin of victory England achieved over the former Soviet state earlier this year.
Sanchez's side do not have history on their side as they have not beaten the English since 1972 and not in Belfast since 1927. Indeed a goal would represent some progression, as the Irish have gone seven games without scoring against England - their last coming in 1980.
Former Wimbledon hero Sanchez knows his side have a struggle on their hands - having seen them lose 4-0 at Old Trafford earlier this year, but confidence is high in the Irish camp.
Top-scorer David Healy has recovered from the thigh strain he picked up against Azerbaijan and his presence should be a major boost.
Healy will partner James Quinn in attack, with both Keith Gillespie and Stuart Elliott looking to provide some width on the flanks.
Aston Villa's impressive youngster Steven Davis will start in the middle of midfield with Damien Johnson of Birmingham.
While Northern Ireland's midfield looks more than competitive - their defence does look the weaker aspect of their side.
Southampton reserve Chris Baird will start at right back, with Plymouth's Tony Capaldi on the left.
Captain Aaron Hughes will be partnered by Motherwell's Stephen Craigan - while the ever-reliable Maik Taylor will be gearing up for a busy night between the sticks.
Northern Ireland 14/1 Draw 9/2 England 1/7
by Graeme Bailey
Sven Goran Eriksson is set to change a winning side as England travel to Belfast to face Northern Ireland in their latest World Cup qualifier.
The Three Lions are still on course to book a place in Germany, but also know that they cannot afford any slip-ups with Poland keeping up the pace at the top of Group 6.
Eriksson's men are facing the second game of a British double-header which has already seen them seal a much-maligned 1-0 victory over Wales in Cardiff.
The Swede insists he is merely happy to take three points from any qualifier, rather than concentrate on the performance - or lack of one.
Despite winning at The Millennium Stadium on Saturday, Eriksson is going to change his line-up.
Vice-captain Michael Owen will be recalled after proving his fitness to Eriksson over the past few days in training.
It was always suspected that either Shaun Wright-Phillips or Joe Cole (pictured) would make way for Newcastle's new number 10.
It was widely thought that Wright-Phillips - who was controversially substituted against Wales - would make way, but it has now emerged that Cole is likely to be the man to drop out, despite the fact he scored the winner against the Welsh.
With Owen coming in, Wayne Rooney will switch towards the left side, allowing Wright-Phillips to continue on the right.
Because of Wright-Phillips's inclusion, captain David Beckham will again continue in an unfamiliar 'anchor' role behind Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard.
England's defence will remain unchanged - meaning Charlton's Luke Young will continue at right back alongside Jamie Carragher, Rio Ferdinand and Ashley Cole.
Northern Ireland boss Lawrie Sanchez is expected to have the luxury of naming an unchanged line-up.
The Irish secured their first win in over four years on Saturday as they beat Azerbaijan 2-0 - the same margin of victory England achieved over the former Soviet state earlier this year.
Sanchez's side do not have history on their side as they have not beaten the English since 1972 and not in Belfast since 1927. Indeed a goal would represent some progression, as the Irish have gone seven games without scoring against England - their last coming in 1980.
Former Wimbledon hero Sanchez knows his side have a struggle on their hands - having seen them lose 4-0 at Old Trafford earlier this year, but confidence is high in the Irish camp.
Top-scorer David Healy has recovered from the thigh strain he picked up against Azerbaijan and his presence should be a major boost.
Healy will partner James Quinn in attack, with both Keith Gillespie and Stuart Elliott looking to provide some width on the flanks.
Aston Villa's impressive youngster Steven Davis will start in the middle of midfield with Damien Johnson of Birmingham.
While Northern Ireland's midfield looks more than competitive - their defence does look the weaker aspect of their side.
Southampton reserve Chris Baird will start at right back, with Plymouth's Tony Capaldi on the left.
Captain Aaron Hughes will be partnered by Motherwell's Stephen Craigan - while the ever-reliable Maik Taylor will be gearing up for a busy night between the sticks.
Northern Ireland 14/1 Draw 9/2 England 1/7
