Republic of Ireland host Greece in a UEFA Nations League Group B2 fixture, with both teams looking to snap out of recent struggles. The Greeks can build on their impressive display in their opening fixture and will be confident of extending their solid record against the Irish.
Republic of Ireland were far from their best in their opening fixture as they fell 3-0 to England. They struggled to cope with the superior quality of the English, finishing with just a single attempt on target.
That was the second straight defeat for Ireland, who have actually picked up just two wins in their last 11 matches across all competitions. Heimir Hallgrimsson’s men have also struggled in attack, failing to score in four of their last five matches.
In contrast to Ireland’s struggles, Greece were impressive in their opening fixture, easing to a 3-0 victory over Finland. Fotis Ioannidis netted a brace while Benjamin Kallman scored an own-goal.
The Greeks are looking sharp at the moment and have won their last two matches. Their good form has been driven by a solid defence as Ivan Jovanovic’s men have kept a clean sheet in their last two matches.
How the bookies view it: Slight edge for Ireland
Despite their recent struggles, the Republic of Ireland still have a slight edge among the bookies at 8/5 with Betfred. A victory for Greece is priced at 9/5 while Betfred is also offering odds of 11/5 for a draw.
Head to head: Greeks on top
Greece have never lost to the Republic of Ireland, claiming four wins and a draw from five previous matches. The Greeks did the double during the Euro 2024 qualifiers with the clash in Dublin ending in a 2-0 victory.
Players to watch: Sturdy Greek backline
Greece have been tight at the back lately with Konstantinos Mavropanos and Konstantinos Koulierakis forming a solid partnership. They have kept clean sheets in their last two matches and will be targeting a third at 15/8 with Betfred.
At the other end of the pitch, Ioannidis will be the one to watch following his brace last time out. With Anastasios Bakasetas and Dimitris Pelkas providing support, Greece could be set to produce over 0.5 goals at 2/5 with Betfred.
Probable line-ups
Ireland have no injuries or suspensions and Adam Idah should continue to lead the line on Tuesday. Will Smallbone should feature in midfield while Dara O’Shea is set to start at the back.
Giannis Konstantelias was a halftime substitute for Greece in the previous fixture and could be handed a start on Tuesday. Ioannidis should retain his place in attack while Mavropanos and Koulierakis should continue their partnership at the back.
Republic of Ireland: Kelleher, O’Shea, Collins, Coleman, Brady, Smallbone, Molumby, Doherty, Szmodics, Ogbene, Idah
Greece: Vlachodimos, Tsimikas, Mavropanos, Koulierakis, Rota, Bouchalakis, Mantalos, Konstantelias, Bakasetas, Pelkas, Ioannidis
Anything else catch the eye?
Given Greece’s defensive showings and with Ireland struggling for goals, BTTS NO could be considered at 4/5 with Betfred. The Greeks earned a win to nil on their last visit to Dublin and could be set for a repeat at 16/5 with Betfred.
All the goals in the last meeting came before the break, so Greece could be backed to win either half at 19/20 with Betfred.
This UEFA Nations League match between Republic of Ireland and Greece will be played on Sep 10, 2024 and kick off at 19:45. Check below for our tipsters best Republic of Ireland vs Greece prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
