Ireland vs Belgium Prediction, Tips & Odds – 23.03.2024
Republic of Ireland vs Belgium Prediction 23.03.2024. Belgium, who have secured their spot in EURO 2024, kick off their preparations for this year’s tournament on Saturday at 6:00 PM, as they face Ireland in Dublin, at the Aviva Stadium.
While the Red Devils shape up their preparations for Germany, their hosts are in poor form, lacking a permanent coach, and significantly lagged behind during the qualifiers.
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Republic of Ireland vs Belgium Odds
Republic of Ireland Team News
Stephen Kenny’s departure after a three-and-a-half-year tenure as the Republic of Ireland manager didn’t come as much of a surprise late last year, and his tenure ended with a disappointingly drawn match at home against New Zealand. Ireland has only won two of their last nine games, both against Gibraltar, and finished 12 points behind the top two teams in Group B of European Championship qualifiers, while their previous Nations League performance wasn’t sufficient for a playoff spot. Now, as the post-Kenny era begins, the team will play two friendly matches at home, with Belgium providing a tough test this weekend, followed by Switzerland arriving in Dublin three days later.
Following Kenny’s departure, former international defender John O’Shea is currently serving as interim manager, while the Irish Football Association continues its search for a new manager. After extensive speculation, England U-21 coach Lee Carsley declined the opportunity to take over the team. Former manager Brian Kerr will join O’Shea’s staff this month, with the priority being to prepare the team for the upcoming Nations League season.
After replacing former first-choice goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu against New Zealand, Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher is expected to start for Ireland on Saturday evening. Interim manager John O’Shea’s former teammate, 35-year-old Seamus Coleman, has returned to the Irish squad after an injury, but Troy Parrott and Celtic defender Liam Scales have had to withdraw. U-21 players Joe Hodge and Andy Moran will join the team after participating in a European Championship qualifier against San Marino on Friday, while Blackburn Rovers striker Sammie Szmodics may finally make his debut for the national team.
Belgium Team News
Unlike Ireland, Belgium is firmly anchored in the upper echelon of the Nations League, and the guests of this Saturday’s encounter are considered one of the favorites to win the European Championship. Before facing England in a high-profile match next week at Wembley, the Red Devils will meet Ireland for the 17th time. Belgium’s current form suggests they could be aiming for victory this weekend.
After being eliminated in the group stage of the 2022 World Cup, Belgium began a new chapter under coach Domenico Tedesco’s leadership and secured their place in the European Championship by finishing first in their qualifying group with six wins and two draws in eight matches. Tedesco’s team played their final Group F match in November, defeating Azerbaijan 5-0, with Romelu Lukaku scoring four goals before halftime.
With Lukaku and his teammates bolstered by new players such as Jeremy Doku, Arthur Vermeeren, and Johan Bakayoko, hopes are growing that they will finally bring a trophy to Belgium, even though the acclaimed “golden generation” fell short, achieving only several near misses.
Meanwhile, captain Kevin De Bruyne leads the list of stars unavailable for Belgium coach Domenico Tedesco. The Manchester City midfielder is injured, while goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois suffered a setback on his road to recovery, and even the top scorer Romelu Lukaku will not play this weekend but could feature against England next Tuesday. Therefore, it could be expected that Lois Openda or Michy Batshuayi will lead the attack, while Matz Sels will likely replace Courtois in goal.
Republic of Ireland vs Belgium H2H
18.06.2016. Belgium vs Republic of Ireland 3:0
26.03.2022. Republic of Ireland vs Belgium 2:2
Injuries and suspensions
Republic of Ireland: Troy Parrott, Liam Scales
Belgium: Kevin De Bruyne, Thibaut Courtois, Romelu Lukaku
Expected Lineups
Republic of Ireland (3-4-2-1): Kelleher; O’Brien, Collins, O’Shea; Ebosele, Cullen, Knight, Doherty; Ogbene, Johnston; Ferguson
Belgium (4-2-3-1): Sels; Castagne, Faes, Vertonghen, Theate; Tielemans, Mangala; Bakayoko, Trossard, Doku; Openda
Republic of Ireland vs Belgium Prediction
Belgium may not have some of their key players available, but their young talents have started to show their potential since the Qatar 2022 World Cup, and they should maintain their momentum in Dublin. On the other hand, the Republic of Ireland is currently in chaos, so attempting to bridge the gap will likely be too big of a challenge for the Green Army. Therefore, our betting suggestion is a victory for the visiting team.
Kick-off Time: Saturday, 23.03.2024, 6:00 PM Local Time (GMT +1), 18:00 CET
Prediction: Belgium to win
Odds (when tipped): 2.20
Sportsbook: Mozzart
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