IRELAND face what should be a fairly low-key warm-up on Wednesday before they get thrown into the deep end at the start of their Euro 2024 qualifiers with a game against World Cup runners-up France.
Stephen Kenny named his squad for the double-header – which included Celtic's former Scotland Under 21s winger Mikey Johnston, who has switched allegiances – but are missing Shane Duffy, Enda Stevens, Callum Robinson, and Aaron Connolly through injury.
The Boys in Green will be hoping for a better campaign than their World Cup group were they never realistically in the running for qualification and although they finished third, they finished 11 points off winners Serbia and managed to lose at home to Luxembourg and draw with Azerbaijan.
They played two friendlies in November where they lost at home to Norway and edged a 1-0 win in Malta, but there's still a general feeling they are in transition at best.
Latvia, currently ranked 133rd on the FIFA list, finished second bottom of their qualifying group and only won home and away 3-1 wins against Gibraltar.
However, Dainis Kazakevics' side did frustrate both an Erling Haaland-less Norway and Montenegro to away goalless draws and drew with Turkey.
How the bookies view it
Ireland are huge favourites here at 2/7 to win with Coral. Ireland are 12/1 with the same firm and the draw is 9/2 with bet365.
Recent head to heads
Ireland have got a 100 per cent record against the Baltic nation having won all five games and only having ever conceded one goal.
Players to watch
Evan Ferguson already looks like he's set to be the new Irish hope after tearing up trees in the Premier League with Brighton this season. He's bagged an impressive eight goals for the Seagulls already this season and bagged a double against Grimsby Town in the FA Cup. He is 6/4 to score anytime with Ladbrokes.
Latvia's top scorer is Vladislavs Gutkovskis, who has scored a respectable 11 international goals in 40 appearances, although it has to be pointed out the Rakow Czestochowa striker's goals for his country have all been against the dregs of international football including San Marino, Andorra and Gibraltar. He is 9/2 to score with bet365.
Anything else catch the eye?
No one would possibly back the Irish against anyone at odds as short as 1/4, especially in a friendly and against a nation who can be stuffy opponents and are no mugs.
Ireland struggle to score goals anyway and especially against teams who park the bus. The call here will be a home win and under 2.5 goals at 9/4 with bet365.
Latvia never seem to get hammered by anyone recently and only lost by a goal in their qualifying group to the Dutch and Turkey. Back Ireland to win by one goal at 11/4, also with bet365.
This International Friendly match between Ireland and Latvia will be played on Mar 22, 2023 and kick off at 19:45. Check below for our tipsters best Ireland vs Latvia prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
