RTÉ Soccer analyst Méabh De Búrca feels Republic of Ireland should operate a defensive line-up as they look to shake off rustiness against an experienced opponent in Belgium in the UEFA Women's Nations League play-off first leg at the Aviva Stadium.
Ireland are looking for promotion back to League A as they play their first matches since the May window when an experimental squad travelled to America for two friendlies.
Belgium were involved in the European Championships, winning one game and narrowly missing out on the knockout stages.
From an Irish point of view, goalkeeper Courtney Brosnan, Megan Connolly, Lily Agg and Leanne Kiernan are out with injury, while Megan Campbell has retired.
De Búrca is expecting Ireland to be cautious for a number of reasons, with the lack of game time at both club and country in mind.
Speaking on the RTÉ Soccer Podcast, she said: "Obviously we haven't played since those games away to America when we didn't even have a full squad.
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"I think Belgium having that big game or big tournament experience behind them, especially so recently as the summer, will definitely be to their advantage.
"That kind of continuity might run in Belgium's favour. They have quality players, who are capable of scoring goals as well. From our perspective, definitely in the home leg, it'll be important to try to stay in the game as well.
"Not so many of our players are playing 90 minutes at the moment with clubs. I know 20 of them are playing in England and 16 of them are in the WSL too. Some are playing consistently and some are not. I think that'll be a big challenge for Carla (Ward) just to get them in and ready for the games."
De Búrca does not believe it’s an insurmountable task for Ireland, despite the lack of momentum behind Ward’s side.
She is hoping that frustrating Belgium could open up chances later in the tie, possibly in the away leg next Tuesday.
"They're ranked higher than us as well so while they'll be favourites, the pressure is on them at the same time.
"I think we could have gotten a worse draw than Belgium. We will take it. But like I said, if we can just stay in the tie in the home leg on Friday, then just take it to them then when you get over to Belgium.
"I think a back three just suits the quality of the players that we have and the strength in depth in those areas.
"The likes of Katie McCabe can play as a wing-back and push on. For me, being more defensive against a team higher ranked is a smarter, more prudent approach.
"Whether Carla decides to operate that way, I know she likes to play four at the back as well. For me, a back five with three centre-backs is what will suit us best."
Watch Republic of Ireland v Belgium in the UEFA Women's Nations League play-offs on Friday from 6.30pm on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player. Follow a live blog on the RTÉ News App and on rte.ie/sport. Listen to live radio commentary on an extended Game On with 2fm
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