The Republic of Ireland will take on Senegal in an international friendly at the Aviva Stadium on Friday, 6 June.
The hosts are continuing to build under Heimir Hallgrimsson and have already picked up some big scalps since he became manager in the summer of 2024.
Senegal, meanwhile, have been in superb form over the past 18 months and haven't lost a match since their round of 16 exit at the 2024 AFCON.
How the bookies view it: The visitors start as favourites
Senegal are the pre-match favourites with the bookmakers, which shouldn't come as a surprise given their long unbeaten run. BoyleSports have priced an away victory at 6/5, while a win for the Republic of Ireland has been priced at 21/10. The draw, which would be seen as a decent result for both teams, has also been priced at 21/10.
Head to head: A first-ever meeting
Friday night marks the first time in history that the Republic of Ireland and Senegal have played against each other. It's also the first time that Senegal have played a European team since they were knocked out of the 2022 World Cup by England.
Players to watch: The start of the post-Mane era for Senegal?
Sadio Mane has declined to take part in Senegal's two friendlies this month, which will give us a glimpse as to how they will fare without him when he hangs up his boots for good.
The two men who will be asked to stand up and be counted are Ismaila Sarr and Nicolas Jackson – two players who are well known to fans of the Premier League.
The former had a strong end to the season for Crystal Palace, scoring three goals and registering three assists across his final six appearances. If he can continue in that vein of form into next season, then life without Mane on the wing might not look too bleak.
Jackson, meanwhile, continues to flatter to deceive for Chelsea. The 23-year-old only managed ten league goals throughout the 2024/25 season, and that kind of return isn't going to be enough if he wants to be seen as the long-term Mane replacement for his nation.
Predicted line-ups
Republic of Ireland could hand debuts to four players this week, although none of them will line up with captain, Seamus Coleman, as the Everton legend is nursing a thigh injury. As mentioned earlier, Sadio Mane isn't available for Senegal on Friday night after he asked the coach not to consider him in his squad for the June friendlies. When he will return for his nation remains to be seen.
Republic of Ireland: Kelleher – Doherty, Collins, O'Brien, Brady – Ebosele, Taylor, Knight, McAteer – Idah, Parrott
Senegal: Mendy – Diatta, Koulibaly, Niakhate, Jakobs – Gueye, P.Sarr, Camara – Ndiaye, Jackson, I.Sarr
Anything else catch the eye?
Senegal's long unbeaten run in Africa has surprisingly been more to do with their defence than their attacking players, so don't expect this to be a game full of goals. In six of their last seven international matches, fewer than three goals were scored, and under 2.5 goals has been priced at 4/6 by BoyleSports.
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