Talking points as Republic of Ireland chase back-to-back wins against Greece

Ireland opened their Group B2 account with a 2-1 victory in Finland.

The Republic of Ireland head into Sunday night’s Nations League clash with Greece looking to build upon a maiden victory in the current edition of the competition against Finland.

Thursday night’s 2-1 League B2 success in Helsinki has raised spirits three games into head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson’s reign, but no-one within the camp is allowing themselves to be carried away ahead of what is certain to be a challenging encounter.

Here, the PA news agency takes a look at some of the talking points surrounding the game.

Three-sy does it?

In fielding three central defenders in his starting line-up in Helsinki, Hallgrimsson gave his rearguard flexibility. At times, they played as a four with Dara O’Shea operating at right-back, match-winner Robbie Brady on the left and skipper Nathan Collins and Liam Scales teaming up in the middle. However, on paper at least, it was ostensibly a central three of O’Shea, Collins and Scales with Brady and Chiedozie Ogbene, admittedly from an advanced position, playing as wing-backs. That versatility served them well in Finland – it remains to be seen whether or not they can replicate it against the more technically-gifted Greeks.

Striking the balance

Republic of Ireland striker Evan Ferguson during a training session at the Aviva Stadium — Republic of Ireland striker Evan Ferguson is playing his way back to match fitness after injury (Brian Lawless/PA)

Double trouble

Republic of Ireland boss Mick McCarthy celebrates victory over Georgia in a Euro 2020 qualifier in Dublin — Mick McCarthy is the last manager to guide the Republic of Ireland to back-to-back competitive victories (Niall Carson/PA)

Beware Greeks…

Greece’s Fotis Ioannidis (hidden) celebrates scoring the first goal in a 2-0 Nations League win over the Republic of Ireland in Dublin — Greece have beaten the Republic of Ireland three times in the last 16 months (Niall Carson/PA)

High emotions

Sometimes football has to take a back seat, and it did so for Greece this week following the news of defender George Baldock’s death at the age of just 31. His team-mates did him proud on Thursday night when they beat England 2-1 at Wembley, but Sunday’s game on home soil in Athens is certain to be hugely emotional for head coach Ivan Jovanovic and his players.