Republic of Ireland meet Scotland at Aviva Stadium, Dublin, in a huge Group 1 clash in League B of 2022-23 UEFA Nations League.
Victory could see Republic of Ireland climb as high as third in Group 1 if there is a winner in Ukraine’s clash against Armenia, whereas a win would keep Steve Clarke’s Scotland top of the table.
Team News
Seamus Coleman is ruled out for Republic of Ireland after withdrawing from the squad with a groin injury, which forced him to miss Wednesday’s defeat against Ukraine.
James Talbot withdrew from the squad late on Friday (10 June) evening due to a training injury and has been replaced by Bristol City goalkeeper – Max O’Leary.
John Egan (ankle) is also sidelined for this match as manager – Stephen Kenny prepares to again rotate his squad.
Scotland will be without Zander Clark and Liam Cooper after the pair withdrew from the squad following Wednesday’s win over Armenia in Glasgow, with Rangers’ Robby McCrorie called up to replace Clark.
Stat Attack
- This is Republic of Ireland’s first meeting against Scotland in UEFA Nations League but have avoided defeat in seven of 11 previous clashes in all competitions (W4, D3, L4).
- Scotland have won just two of seven previous visits to Ireland in all competitions (W2, D3, L2).
- Ireland are unbeaten in two previous meetings against Scotland held in June – having won 1-0 in 1963 and drawn 1-1 in 2015 which both came at home.
- Ireland have kept just one clean sheet in three home matches in 2022 across all competitions (W1, D1, L1) – winning 1-0 against Lithuania in a friendly in March.
- Scotland have scored twice in each of their last two away matches in all competitions (W1, D1).
Prediction
Having suffered a pair of scruffy 1-0 losses from their opening two matches, Ireland need to produce a response here if they don’t want to face relegation to League C but they did play well against Ukraine yet weren’t clinical enough eventually to get a result.
Scotland meanwhile were absolutely fantastic in their attacking press against Armenia with great aerial threats from crosses but were sloppy in finishing off well-worked attacking chances, although their defence was better organised with strong pacey movement going forward.
This is a home nations derby though so pride will also be at stake here but if Ireland continue to struggle to shake off their Nations League hoodoo and Scotland continue to play well, I can see an away win coming but it hopefully will be a closely matched battle.
Prediction: ROI 0-1 Scotland
Result: ROI 3-0 Scotland
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