Ireland and England meet in a competitive match for the first time in 33 years at the Aviva Stadium for a 17:00 kick-off on Saturday evening.
It’s the first of two Nations League matches between the two near neighbours and we should be treated to an electric atmosphere inside the Dublin venue.
- ENGLAND TO WIN AND UNDER 2.5 GOALS
- ENGLAND TO WIN TO NIL
- BUKAYO SAKA TO SCORE ANYTIME
Southgate Influencer Expected
Gareth Southgate led England to two European Championship finals and the Three Lions were within touching distance of landing their first major trophy since 1966.
Despite that apparent success, the supporters were not on board with the style of play, and Interim manager Lee Carsley has indicated that he will adopt a more forward-thinking approach.
However, it may take more than a few training sessions to alter the thinking of a squad who had been led by Southgate and his staff for eight years, and we may not get a blistering performance from the Three Lions.
Forwards Cole Palmer, Phil Foden and Ollie Watkins have pulled out of the England squad, which limits options at the top of the pitch.
Ireland, who will be well motivated for a home fixture against a rival nation, have experience at the back with Seamus Coleman, Matt Doherty, Dara O'Shea and Nathan Collins available to new boss Heimir Hallgrimsson and they could prove stubborn opposition.
England have scored only 15 goals in their last 12 matches and backing a Three Lions victory and under 2.5 goals in the game looks a play on Saturday evening.
ENGLAND TO WIN AND UNDER 2.5 GOALS
Ireland Lacking Proven Goalscorer
Ireland certainly have more options in attack, with Adam Idah, Evan Ferguson, Sammie Szmodics and Chiedozie Ogbene named in Hallgrimsson’s squad.
However, Ferguson hasn’t played a competitive match this season, while Idah, Szmodics and Ogbene have done all their scoring in the Championship and there is little in the way of a proven top-level goalscorer in the Irish ranks.
The Boys in Green have scored only four goals in their last six matches and they now take on one of Europe’s strongest nations.
England have conceded just 12 times in their last 15 matches, and while they may find Ireland a tough side to break down, the Boys in Green are unlikely to trouble a solid Three Lions defence.
Carsley’s men look good value to win to nil in Dublin
ENGLAND TO WIN TO NIL
Saka Can Find The Net
Bukayo Saka has been one of the standout performers in the first few weeks of Premier League action and the Arsenal forward can continue his good form in an England shirt.
The 23-year-old scored 16 top-flight goals last term. He has hit 12 in 40 appearances for England, and with Palmer and Foden out of the squad, much of the Three Lions’ attacking play will come through Saka.
BUKAYO SAKA TO SCORE ANYTIME
