Best Odds: 8/13
Bookmaker:
Looking to make it three qualifying victories on the spin this weekend, the Netherlands will travel to Dublin on Sunday night when they meet Ireland.
Ireland
Starting with the hosts, while Ireland might have signed off June’s international break with a much-needed 3-0 romp against Gibraltar, it appears that might have just been a minor boost for Stephen Kenny’s squad. Although the Greens might have opened their European Championship qualifying adventure earlier in the year with their sights firmly set on clinching a top-two finish, it is no secret that Ireland are enduring a real Group B struggle this time around. Marking their return to action on Thursday night as they were eventually hit with a 2-0 loss at the hands of European heavyweights France, Kenny’s side have now lost three of their first four qualifying showdowns. Likewise, failing to find much stability during their Nations League campaign last year, Sunday’s hosts have won just a trio of their previous 10 competitive contests across all competitions a run that stems all the way back to November 2021.
Team News
In what has been a major blow for Kenny’s side, Ireland will once again be unable to call upon attacking talisman Evan Ferguson as the 18-year-old had to withdraw from this month’s squad due to a knee injury.
Replaced just 11 minutes after coming on as a second-half substitute against France earlier in the week, Ireland are sweating over the fitness of Preston’s Will Keane. Replacing Ender Stevens at half-time on Thursday, Wrexham’s James McClean could be handed a full recall here.
Netherlands
As for the visitors, while the Netherlands might still be fully trying to find their feet under returning boss Ronald Koeman, the European giants certainly claimed a major boost earlier in the week. Despite suffering real Nations League heartbreak back in June, the ex-Southampton boss saw his side put in a rampant performance a few days ago. Eventually storming their way to a 3-0 romp against a high-flying Greece, the Oranges will be looking to make another qualifying statement here. Tipped as a standout contender to follow France out of Group B, Sunday’s guests should also be excited by their largely rugged qualifying record on foreign soil. In fact, the Netherlands have lost just one of their previous six qualifying appearances on the road. Looking to make it three Group B victories on the spin here, Holland should be smelling a potential chance in Dublin.
Team News
Notching his first qualifying strike against Greece earlier in the week, former Manchester United loanee Wout Weghorst will once against spearhead Holland’s charge on Sunday night.
Forming what has become an eye-catching partnership, Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk will once again be partnered with Manchester City star Nathan Ake. Struggling to make much of a domestic impact with Bayern Munich this season, Matthijs de Ligt will have to settle for a spot on the bench in Dublin.
Key Factors to Consider
