IRELAND travel to atmospheric Athens to face Greece in the first of their Euro 2024 double-headers with both nations only playing one qualifier in March.
Greece have the security of already securing a play-off spot for the Finals via the Nations League, but Gus Poyet's side will want to get to Germany by their own steam.
The Irish seem to be in a perennial state of transition under Stephen Kenny, who always cuts a hapless figure and appears to be on the brink of losing his job only to survive another day.
They lost in Dublin to World Cup runners-up France in their opening fixture which was certainly no disgrace and could consider themselves unlucky. They face a home penalty kick against Gibraltar after their trip to Greece.
But trips like this have been the Boys in Green's Achilles heel for years and Greece have a decent team.
Although behind Ireland by three places in the FIFA Rankings, they appear to be on an upwards curve under Poyet and kicked off their qualifying campaign with an expected 3-0 win in Gibraltar.
However, they haven't qualified for any of their last four tournaments and the Euro 2004 winners will be desperate to end that.
How the bookies view it
Greece are favourites here and can be backed at 6/5 with UniBet.
Republic of Ireland are the underdogs at 11/4 with Boylesports at 11/4 and the draw is 11/5 with William Hill.
Recent head to heads
The nations have only met three times and Greece have won twice and drawn the other game. There have only been two goals scored in those three games.
Players to watch
Giorgos Giakoumakis has been in sensational form for Atlanta United since his move from Celtic. He has scored ten goals in just nine starts and looks interesting to add to his paltry total of just two international goals for Greece at 7/4 with bet365.
Evan Ferguson is Ireland's Great White Hope and the Brighton kid has been brilliant this season. The 18-year-old is 11/4 to score in Athens with bet365.
Anything else catch the eye?
This could very well be a tight affair with both nations not exactly renowned for their freescoring goalscoring abilities. The layers are of course aware of this which is why it's just 4/7 for under 2.5 goals.
The hosts could take advantage of an Ireland side who don't usually travel well and in their last six games their winning margin has been one goal either by victory or a defeat.
Greece to win by one goal at 11/4 with Paddy Power looks to be a bif of value and don't be surprised if it's in-form Giakoumakis who grabs it.
This Euro 2024 match between Greece and Republic of Ireland will be played on Jun 16, 2023 and kick off at 19:45. Check below for our tipsters best Greece vs Republic of Ireland prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
