Still early stages in the qualifiers but it already looks like the chances of Ireland getting a play-off are 50-50 at best.
In Group D, Wales, who we want to qualify automatically, look certain to fail, with Turkey likely getting their place. So thatâs one down.
In Group F Austria v Sweden tomorrow is a big game. We want Austria to win that as Sweden are below us in the Nations League rankings. As said elsewhere Austria appear to going well but the Swedes are always worthy of respect.
Romania, who are behind us in the rankings, look a big threat to qualify in Group I, especially after a fine 2-2 draw in Switzerland this evening. Israel, who are ahead of us in the rankings, are their main opponents. I think I fancy Romania there.
In Group J, Slovakia, who are below us in the rankings, have had a decent start to the group. We want either of Bosnia or Iceland to get second behind Portugal - but both appear to be on the downslope and very beatable.
At this stage, if I had to call it, I think we wonât get a play-off as I think Turkey, Romania and Slovakia will all nab automatic qualification spots.
Austria beating Sweden was a rare reason for positivity on the night though.
Spock and Richie Sadlier will feel vindicated by that Luxembourg result. Theyâve taken a few scalps recently now. Canât see them sustaining it for an entire campaign though. They did lose 3-0 at home to us after all. Slovakia surely shoe ins for 2nd though barring a resurgence from Iceland.
Youâd think Austriaâs win puts them in the box seat for one of the qualifying spot. Youâd think Belgium should still have enough to hold off Sweden but Belgium are definitely on the way down.
Polandâs defeat in Moldova another bad result for Ireland. Albania v Poland in September a big game in that group.
I think itâs probably too much to expect that all of Holland, Israel and Poland get the qualifying spots ahead of Greece, Romania and Albania.
Israel probably wonât finish above the Romanians anyway. The Swiss capitulated late on against Romania last night to hand them a vital point away from home.
All-Ireland football semi-final draw permutations:
If there are wins tomorrow for Dublin and Derry:
The semis cannot be Kerry v Dublin/Monaghan v Derry. A draw will take place to determine if it isâŚ
Kerry v Monaghan/Dublin v Derry
or
Kerry v Derry/Dublin v Monaghan
Wins for Dublin and Cork:
Semis cannot be Kerry v Cork/Monaghan v Dublin.
A draw will take place to determine if it is
Kerry v Dublin and Monaghan v Cork
or
Kerry v Monaghan and Dublin v Cork
Wins for Mayo and Derry:
Semis cannot be Kerry v Mayo/Monaghan v Derry.
A draw will take place to determine whether the semis are:
Kerry v Monaghan and Mayo v Derry
or
Kerry v Derry and Mayo v Monaghan
Wins for Mayo and Cork:
Presumably a completely open draw as all possible permutations involve one tie where teams have already played each other. Kerry have played Mayo and Cork, but Mayo and Cork have also played each other.
The original version of the table I saw earlier in the week inexplicably had âWal 4 - 2 Ireâ instead of âSco 4 -2 Ireâ. I can only presume the person doing it out put in a lot of effort and got tired, hence the error. This updated version has thankfully been amended.
I hope the Dazzler doesnât have the original version of it.
Galway
Tyrone
Armagh
