Three Moldovans to watch
The experienced defender will earn a 76th cap tomorrow evening in Chisinau. A four-time Moldovan Footballer of the Year, Epureanu will be tasked with preventing a makeshift Irish attack from finding the net, most likely as a sweeper behind two orthodox central defenders.
Currently plying his trade with Istanbul Basaksehir FK in Turkey, six-foot Epureanu will pose a threat to the Irish back four from set-pieces. Yet, for all his attributes, Epureanu should spend the majority of his time in defensive mode as Moldova have conceded seven goals in their previous two qualifiers.
Cagliari’s Artur Ionita attracts plenty of headlines but Moldova’s hopes of causing the Republic of Ireland issues in the final third rest on Cebotaru’s shoulders. Wearing the number 9 jersey, the FC Sibir Novosibirsk playmaker will be asked to drop deep from his attacking position whilst also attempting to release the host country’s strikers when an opportunity arises.
The talented midfielder will be anxious to impress current manager Igor Dobrovolski, having been substituted late on during Moldova’s 4-0 qualifying defeat to Wales and recent 3-0 reversal at home to Serbia.
Eugen Sidorenco and Radu Ginsari are two Moldovan strikers capable of testing the most experienced defences. Yet, 32-year-old Igor Bugaiov has scored more goals than the previously mentioned duo combined and should start against Martin O’Neill’s side.
Bugaiov came on as a sub in his country’s opening qualifier against Wales and kept his place up front in last Thursday night’s loss at home to Serbia. The FC Zaria Balti striker will require close attention from Shane Duffy and Ciarán Clark as Moldova look to score their first goal of the qualifying campaign.
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