The Republic of Ireland is gearing up for a crucial 2026 World Cup qualifier against Armenia, and the Armenian national team has finalized its squad for this pivotal match. Coach Oleksandr Petrakov has made some tough decisions, trimming the preliminary roster by excluding defender Arsen Sadoyan and midfielder Karen Nalbandyan. Additionally, midfielder Edgar Sevikyan will be sidelined due to injury, a blow for the Armenian side.
In a tactical adjustment, Narek Aghasaryan has been brought into the final squad, replacing Karen Nalbandyan. This change comes just three days after Armenia’s previous encounter against Hungary, highlighting the fast-paced nature of international football, much like the quick turnaround between NFL games on a Thursday and Sunday.
The highly anticipated clash between Ireland and Armenia is set to take place today, October 14, in Dublin. This match is more than just a game; it’s a meaningful step in the qualification journey for both nations, with every point carrying immense weight, akin to a playoff game in American sports where every possession matters.
Armenia’s Final Squad for the Ireland Showdown
Hear’s the full lineup representing Armenia as they face the Republic of Ireland:
Goalkeepers:
Henry Avagyan (FC Pyunik), Ognyen Chancharevich (FC Noah), Arsen Beglarian (FC Alashkert)
Defenders:
Kamo Hovhannisyan (FC Ararat-Armenia), sergey Muradyan (FC Noah), Stepa Mkrtchyan (NK Osijek, Croatia),
Erik Piloyan (FC Urartu), Edgar Grigoryan (FC Ararat-Armenia), Georgy Harutyunyan (Puskás akadémia FC, Hungary),
Nair Tiknizyan (FK Crvena Zvezda, Serbia), Erik Simonyan (FC urartu), David Davidyan (FC Rotor, Russia)
Midfielders:
Eduard Spertsyan (FC Krasnodar, russia), Ughukwu Christus Ivu (FC Rubin Kazan, Russia),
Narek Aghasaryan (FC Urartu), Karen Muradyan (FC ararat-Ararat)
Forwards:
Lucas Zelarayán (Belgrano, Argentina), Grant-Leon Ranos (Borussia Mönchengladbach, Germany),
Tiran Ghasaryan (Slovan Bratislava, Slovakia), Arthur Miranyan (Bnei Sakhnin FC, israel),
Zhirayr Shagoyan (FC Ararat-Armenia), Vahan Bichakhchyan (Legia Warsaw, Poland), Arthur Serobyan (FC Ararat-Armenia).
A Word of Caution: Kamo Hovhannisyan,Erik Piloyan,and Georgy Harutyunyan are walking a disciplinary tightrope. Should any of them recieve a yellow card in today’s match against Ireland, they will be suspended for the subsequent fixture against Hungary. This adds another layer of strategic consideration for the coaching staff, much like managing player foul counts in basketball.
For fans eager to follow the action, information on how and where to watch the Ireland – Armenia match online is readily available, ensuring no one misses this critical World Cup qualifier.
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