Preview: Take two for Ireland as they land in Missouri

After a respectable 2-0 defeat to the USA in Austin on Saturday night, the Republic of Ireland flew straight to Missouri for the rematch, which kicks off in the very early hours of Wednesday morning [12:30am Irish time, live on RTÉ2].

The Americans' victory was tarnished by free-scoring attacker Mallory Swanson suffering a torn patella tendon in her left knee following an unfortunate first-half tangle with Aoife Mannion.

Swanson was stretchered off and taken to hospital, with her World Cup dreams hanging by a thread. Head coach Vlatko Andonovski looked a worried man as he walked on to the field to inspect the extent of her injury; but he's not exactly short of options.

Trinity Rodman replaced Swanson and showed evidence of why she's the highest paid player in the NWSL, while Swanson's withdrawal from the squad has opened the door for rising star Alyssa Thompson to come in. The 18-year-old has burst onto the scene at Angel City this year.

The USA were also significantly lifted by the 67th-minute introduction of powerful midfielder Julie Ertz, back for the first time since giving birth to a son last August. However, Rose Lavelle, arguably the best player on the pitch, will not be involved tonight after picking up a slight knock, while Andonovski has strongly hinted he'll use this second friendly to get a closer look at his squad players.

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The USA were comfortable winners on Saturday but Ireland put it up to their illustrious hosts in a well-executed first half in which they looked