Northern Ireland play the Republic of Ireland this week in a rare international friendly between the neighbouring nations.
In a break from Nations League action, Northern Ireland head to the Republic of Ireland for a game expected to more competitive than your regular friendly. It will also see Republic of Ireland manager Martin O’Neil go up against his former national team from his playing days and his namesake in the dugout, Michael O’Neill.
When is Republic of Ireland vs Northern Ireland?
Competition: International friendly
Venue: Aviva Stadium
Date: Thursday 15th November
Kick-Off: 7:45pm BST
Match Preview
It is often said that, when it comes to big derbies whether on the international stage or at club level, the form book gets thrown out of the window.
That particular saying will appeal to the two teams playing this Thursday. Neither side’s recent result record in the Nations League makes for encouraging reading. Northern Ireland are in group B3, where they have played three and lost three against Austria and Bosnia, while the Republic of Ireland have played three, drawn one and lost two against Denmark and Wales. Both teams have the same record of scoring just one goal in their three matches while conceding five.
Friendlies should give teams a break from competitive action, but this game will be just as important as any Nations League fixture to both its participants, with Northern Ireland captain Steven Davis having said, “There’s going to be an edge. The players are very familiar with each other. With the way results have been for both teams in recent times, it’s an important game for both teams.”
Where can I watch live?
This game is covered by Sky Sports and they are showing it live at 7:45pm on Sky Sports Football.
Is the Nations League having a positive impact?
We are still in the first year of the Nations League but so far, things appear to be going very well. Gone are the days of meaningless international breaks full of friendlies that no one wants to play. Now we have teams of a similar ability going up against each other, with something to play for. With the added bonus of a Euro 2020 qualification place up for grabs through the playoffs, teams have even more to play for this season, making the competition so far a huge success.
If there is one section of football that is unhappy with the invention of the Nations League then it is the domestic clubs that send their players to play in international games. Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, for instance, described the National League as “the most senseless competition in the world” last month.
Friendlies offer international managers the chance to rotate their squad, make a lot of substitutions and try different things out. The Nations League complicates matters, because winning is more important now, and that means the best players will play each game, giving them less time to rest in between playing for their clubs.
A rare friendly between these two nations
Being fierce rivals, the likelihood of a friendly being played between these two countries is very slim. The last two meetings have been friendlies, but those are the only two so far, and they took place in 2011 and 1999. Prior to that, the only time they met was when they were drawn together in competitions. Overall we have seen just 10 meetings, but if the game goes off without too much trouble and the countries remain fairly peaceful towards each other, there is the possibility that more friendlies between the two will take place.
Head to head
These two teams have only met 10 times before, with the Republic of Ireland currently holding the bragging rights.
Republic of Ireland wins: 4 Northern Ireland wins: 2 Draws: 4
Team news
Glenn Whelan will captain the Republic of Ireland on Thursday against their neighbours, while Shane Long and Ciaran Clark are not in the squad. The experienced Seamus Coleman and Robbie Brady both missed the Nations League in October but are back in the squad for this one.
Bobby Burns is the big name called up to the Northern Ireland squad, and the teenager will be looking for his first taste of international action on Thursday. He has been impressive in Scotland for Livingston and could be a key player for the future for Northern Ireland.
Squawka prediction
This will be close and with both teams playing poorly over the past few games, the gap is certainly closer than it used to be. However, on paper the Republic of Ireland have a stronger team, and they also have the backing of their home fans. That can be enough for them to bag a win here and claim bragging rights over their neighbouring nation once more.
Predictions & betting tips
1. Republic of Ireland to win @ 11/10
Neither team is playing to the best of their ability right now. When you compare the two teams on paper, the Republic of Ireland have a stronger squad and a better starting eleven. With their home fans cheering them on, they can take the win here.
Key Stat: Republic of Ireland currently hold bragging rights, with four wins over Northern Ireland
Tip: Republic of Ireland to win @ 11/10 with BetBull – bet here
Odds correct at time of publishing (15/11/2018, 17:55)
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2. Total Goals Under 2.5 @ 4/9
Both teams have shown little in front of goal recently, so we could be in for a low scoring affair here. They have both scored one goal from three Nations League games, and with neither one wanting to lose on Thursday, a tight, cagey affair could be in order.
Don’t be surprised to see few chances here, with a low-scoring game looking a likely possibility, for reasons explained in tip three…
Key Stat: Both teams have scored one goal in three Nations League games
Tip: Total goals under 2.5 @ 4/9 with BetBull – bet here
Odds correct at time of publishing (15/11/2018, 17:55)
3. Draw at Half Time @ 5/6
The atmosphere and occasion may get to a few of these players. It will be something that they haven’t experienced before, which could lead to a cagey game, especially at the start.
Another factor is the lack of goals across either nation’s team. Northern Ireland have scored in just three of their previous 10 fixtures, with two wins and five goals overall. Republic of Ireland equal Michael O’Neill’s men for the number of games won in their previous 10 matches. However, they can marginally better their goals tally, with six.
Key Stat: It has been seven years since this game took place; no one will want to make a mistake early.
Tip: Draw at half time @ 4/6 with BetBull – bet here
Odds correct at time of publishing (15/11/2018, 17:55)
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