Following defeat in midweek, Republic of Ireland welcome Luxembourg to Aviva Stadium, Dublin, in their latest 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifier.
Victory could put Ireland as high as second in the event that Serbia’s clash against Portugal doesn’t finish in a draw, whereas Luxembourg likewise can go second with a win.
Team News
Republic have no fresh injury issues to report after Wednesday’s 3-2 defeat in Serbia, with Mark Travers set to remain in goal.
Shane Long meanwhile is pushing for a start after impressing as a substitute in midweek.
Luxembourg have no injury concerns with a full squad available for selection.
Stat Attack
- Republic of Ireland are unbeaten in five previous meetings against Luxembourg in all competitions, including two previous World Cup qualifiers (W5).
- Luxembourg have lost both previous trips to Ireland with an aggregate score defeat of 6-1.
- Ireland have lost just one of their last nine home matches in all competitions (W4, D4, L1).
- Luxembourg have won just two of their last 11 away games in all competitions (W2, D2, L7)
- Ireland’s two goals in Serbia on Wednesday ended a seven match run without scoring.
Prediction
Ireland enter this match off the back of a solid but disappointing performance yet they still remain without a win in their last ten matches, after a series of defensive lapses cost them despite showing strong intent on the attack to punish Serbian errors.
Luxembourg meanwhile lost their midweek friendly to Qatar so will be looking for a stronger performance, because they are a team who can never be underestimated despite their lack of stand-out players across the pitch.
On that note, this definitely won’t be a dominant one-sided display because Ireland’s form is currently poor which will give the visitors real hope, although I am punting on a comfortable home win if Ireland can tidy up their defending and continue to improve on the attack.
Prediction: ROI 2-0 Luxembourg
Result: ROI 0-1 Luxembourg
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