The Republic of Ireland entertain England in the opening match of their Nations League Group B2 campaign at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday evening.
This will be the Three Lions’ first fixture since suffering Euro 2024 final heartbreak against Spain earlier this summer, on a night where my BTTS bet banked.
That setback prompted Gareth Southgate to call time on his reign as England manager, with Lee Carsley placed in interim charge for the start of their Nations League campaign.
Carsley is the bookies favourite to land the role on a permanent basis and strong showing from his side in Dublin would enhance his chances of being handed the reins full-time.
As for the Republic of Ireland, they also have a new manager at the helm after Stephen Kenny was relieved of his duties following his failure to steer the Boys in Green to Euro 2024.
Former Iceland and Jamaica boss Heimir Hallgrimsson was chosen to usher in the new era for the Irish national team, and the 57-year-old will be desperate to make a dream start by claiming the scalp of England.
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 UniBet.
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 UniBet 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 (Bet 365) 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England will be without Cole Palmer, Ollie Watkins and Phil Foden, all of whom have withdrawn with injuries.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.
Anything else catch the eye?
Nathan Collins has been priced up at 5/4 on Bet 365 to commit just one foul during this game and that holds plenty of appeal.
The Republic of Ireland defender will likely be up against Harry Kane, who earned his side 11 free-kicks across his seven appearances at Euro 2024.
The England skipper was drawing club side Bayern Munich 2.1 fouls per game in the Bundesliga last season, making Collins a standout selection to fall foul of the referee just once on Saturday evening.
This UEFA Nations League match between Republic of Ireland and England will be played on Sep 7, 2024 and kick off at 17:00. Check below for our tipsters best Republic of Ireland vs England prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
