Republic of Ireland host Latvia in a friendly as both teams look to start 2023 on a high.
Ireland are looking for a win to provide them with momentum heading into their tricky opening UEFA Euro 2024 qualifier against France on 27 March, whilst Latvia need a positive result of their own ahead of their trip to Wales on 28 March.
Team News
Mikey Johnston is in line for his Ireland debut after switching allegiance earlier this month with FIFA approval.
Midfielder, Will Smallbone is also looking to make his debut, whilst Andrew Omobamidele, Adam Idah, Jason Knight and Will Keane will be looking to return after various lengths of absence.
Latvia have no fresh injury concerns to report with a full squad available for selection.
When is Kick-Off?
Ireland host Latvia at Aviva Stadium, Dublin in a 7:45pm GMT kick-off on Wednesday 22 March, with the match televised live on Premier Sports in UK.
Stat Attack
- Republic of Ireland have won all five previous meetings against Latvia in all competitions (W5).
- Latvia have lost all three previous visits to Republic of Ireland (L3), during which they scored one goal and conceded nine goals.
- Ireland have scored 14 goals and conceded just one goal across their five previous clashes against Latvia.
- Ireland have scored three goals in two of their last three home matches in all competitions (W2, L1), only failing to do so in a 2-1 friendly loss against Norway in November 2022.
- Latvia have scored in each of their last 11 matches in all competitions (W6, D4, L1) dating back to November 2021.
Prediction
Although results are still inconsistent, Ireland certainly made progress across their Nations League campaign and November’s friendlies with goals in each of their last six matches, albeit with just two clean sheets so there is still work to be done to strengthen their defensive ability.
Latvia meanwhile have a poor record against Ireland but they have done well to lose just one of their last 11 matches, although Ireland will be a step up compared to all of their opponents across 2022 so they will need to take that momentum and apply themselves well if want a result here.
Ireland though do have Brighton’s in-form Evan Ferguson and if he can carry his club form into this international friendly aided by strong midfield support, I can see the hosts clinching a comfortable win once can break down Latvia’s resistance.
Prediction: ROI 2-0 Latvia
Result: ROI 3-2 Latvia
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