Ireland go head-to-head against England on Saturday. Read our Predictions and Betting Tips with Match Preview, Head-to-head stats (h2h) and Team Form Analysis.
UEFA Nations League, KO: 17:00 Sep 7, 2024, Aviva Stadium
Our prediction for this Nations League match:
All eyes will be on Aviva Stadium when Republic of Ireland and England square off against each other in a classic on Saturday. The Boys in Green are eager to claim a major scalp in their Nations League opener and they are likely to fight tooth and nail against the Three Lions. New boss Heimir Hallgrimson has named his first Ireland squad, including debutant Kasey McAteer (Leicester City). Captain Seamus Coleman and striker Evan Ferguson made the cut as well, while both Gavin Bazunu and Josh Cullen have been ruled out with injuries.
England, on the other hand, aim to recover from a heart-breaking loss to Spain in the EURO 2024 final. But they will have to do it without injured Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham. Lee Carsley has decided to count on goalkeeper Nick Pope and defender Harry Maguire for the September matches. With Man City winger Jack Grealish returning to the squad as well. Even though his teammate Kyle Walker is out of contention. Away win should be considered as Carlsey has a number of top-class players to choose from.
How the bookies view it: Light work for the Three Lions
England go into their first post-Euro 2024 fixture as odds-on 8/15 favourites with Ladbrokes
The Republic of Ireland are rank outsiders at 6/1 on William Hill, while a share of the spoils at the Aviva Stadium is also considered unlikely at 13/4 with PHcash.
Head to head: Another draw in Dublin?
The two teams last played a friendly fixture in November 2020, with England winning 3-0 at Wembley. However, it’s worth noting that this was the Three Lions’ first success in this fixture in eight attempts, with the six meetings prior to that ending all square.
Players to watch: Kane to inflict pain on the Irish?
After hitting three goals at Euro 2024. Harry Kane is a tempting 13/10 on 777pnl to strike anytime at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday evening.
Sammie Szmodics made an instant impact for his new club, Ipswich, by scoring against Man City a fortnight ago. And he is as big as 5/1 (JILI PAGCOR) to find the back of the net against the Three Lions.
Predicted line-ups
Evan Ferguson could get his first taste of competitive action on Saturday evening after missing the last five months due to injury.
England will be without Cole Palmer, Ollie Watkins and Phil Foden, all of whom have withdrawn with injuries.
Republic of Ireland: Kelleher; Coleman, O’Brien, Collins, Scales; Ogbene, Cullen, Smallbone, Brady; Ferguson, Szmodics
England: Pickford; Alexander-Arnold, Guehi, Stones, Livramento; Rice, Gomes, Eze; Saka, Kane, Gordon.
Ireland vs England Predictions
England will try Ireland for size in their first ever League B fixture in the UEFA Nations League on Saturday.
England were relegated to the League B in 2022 after finishing bottom of their group in League A. A group that included Italy, Hungary, and Germany.
The Three Lions topped their Nations League group in 2018. While they finished third in their group in 2020 prior to the 2022 edition.
Interim manager Lee Carsley has a big job in his hands as England aim to get promotion back to League A in the competition. The manager was appointed after former boss Gareth Southgate left his role after the Euros 2024 in Germany.
England secured four victories in their last seven matches, drew two. And lost 1-0 to Spain in the Euro 2024 final.
Finishing third in each of their Nations League groups in the last three editions. Ireland will be looking to rewrite their story in the competition this year.
The Heimir Hallgrímsson’s men won only two of their group games in the 2022 edition. Losing three and recording a draw against Ukraine. Ireland also scored seven goals, while conceding six in the tournament.
Heading into this game, the Emerald Isles are not in good form, recording one win in their last five international fixtures. They lost 3-0 to Portugal in their recent fixture, via a Joao Felix’s early opener and a Cristiano Ronaldo’s double.
England will be hoping to extend their impressive run of four games without a loss against Ireland.
