IRELAND host Scotland in an intriguing Nations League clash in Dublin.
Hapless Irish boss Stephen Kenny is under serious pressure now after yet another dismal defeat in midweek when Ukraine deservedly won in Dublin.
The prickly ex-Dunfermline boss doesn't appear to take criticism well and there's been plenty of that heading his way as they followed up their limp defeat in Armenia by losing at home to a much-changed Ukraine side.
Watching Armenia at Hampden, it's hard to see how they could defeat any side barring San Marino and although it was baking hot in Yerevan, questions have to be asked about just how the Irish could lose to such a limited side, who lost 9-0 in Norway in their previous game.
Scotland didn't exactly make up for the Ukrainian capitulation in midweek, but Steve Clarke's wasteful side really could and should have scored far more than just the two goals.
If they are to challenge Ukraine at the top of the group, they really must be going to the Aviva Stadium and winning.
How the bookies view it
Ireland are narrow favourites across the board although they have drifted alarmingly since the midweek games and can be backed at a best-priced 9/5 now with SBK. Steve Clarke's side have contracted and are available at 37/20 with 888Sport. The draw is 21/10 with McBookie.com.
Recent head to heads
It's always a close game when these two nations meet. In the Euro 2016 campaign, Scotland had the upper hand with a 1-1 draw in Dublin as can be seen below and a 1-0 win at Parkhead, but it was the Irish who qualified.
There were two more games this century in Dublin with a win apiece.
Players to watch
John McGinn has got a great goalscoring record for Scotland and the Aston Villa man is bound to be a threat here after shooting from everywhere against Armenia. He is 5/1 to net at the Aviva.
CJ Hamilton looked an exciting talent when he came on in midweek. The Blackpool winger is 11/2 to net with the same firm.
Anything else catch the eye?
Scotland are a long way from world beaters and there remains serious questions about big games and tactics under Steve Clarke, but they look a big price to get the better of a rudderless Irish side who seem to lurch from one crisis to the next under a manager who looks out his depth.
Bookies have this down as a low scoring affair, but both Ireland and especially Scotland have been creating plenty recently and it's worth going against the grain by taking a chance on over 2.5 goals at 13/8 with bet365.
Keep a close eye on the corners market. Scotland's use of set pieces – with former Hearts boss Austin McPhee now employed as a specialst for corners and free kicks – means they have targeted corners as a goalscoring threat…as they showed on Wednesday.
Ireland managed six against Ukraine and Armenia too so there could be value once the markets come up.
This UEFA Nations League match between Republic of Ireland and Scotland will be played on Jun 11, 2022 and kick off at 17:00. Check below for our tipsters best Republic of Ireland vs Scotland prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
