Football Betting Tips & Predictions

Republic of Ireland vs Scotland betting tips: UEFA Nations League preview, predictions and odds


These two last met during Euro 2016 qualifying with Scotland winning 1-0 at Celtic Park before a 1-1 draw in Dublin; Ireland though finished higher in the group and qualified via the play-offs. The Tartan Army have only won two of seven visits to Ireland, these coming in 1961 and 2000. Just six of he Republic's last 28 competitive games have seen both teams score.

Both teams to score NO is 4/6.

Both teams to score NO and under 2.5 goals is 5/6.

Scotland to win and under 2.5 goals is 15/4.

John McGinn has scored 12 international goals, all under Steve Clarke. He is 12/1 to break the deadlock and 5/1 to add to his tally. 

Match preview

Will Scotland start to build some momentum, or can the Republic of Ireland lift the doom and gloom?

To start this international window, the Tartan Army saw their World Cup dreams go up in flames, losing 3-1 to Ukraine at Hampden.

But, Steve Clarke's team couldn't rue their misfortune because, a week later, their UEFA Nations League campaign got underway.

On Wednesday night, the Dark Blues put in a vastly improved performance, swatting aside Armenia in their first game of this group.

Anthony Ralston and Scott McKenna both heading home their first international goals as Scotland, in truth, cruised to victory.

The Tartan Army have now won seven of 11 Nations League matches, using this competition to qualify for Euro 2020, their first tournament for 23 year.

So now, Clarke's side are looking to secure promotion to League A, a guaranteed Euro 2024 play-off place and second seeding in the qualifying draw.

With two rematches against group favourites Ukraine to come in September, Scotland will be targeting three wins from their matches this week.

Will the Dark Blues be making the long 2,500 mile trip to Yerevan following a victory in Dublin?

Well, given that the Republic of Ireland still haven't won a match in this competition, this seems the most likely outcome.

Stephen Kenny's men came into this window unbeaten in eight and with optimism restored, all of which have gone up in a puff of smoke.

In the last week, the Boys in Green have suffered back-to-back 1-0 defeats, first in Armenia and then at home to Ukraine on Wednesday.

Across the two games, Ireland mustered a measly six shots on target, rarely looking like scoring in either game.

Finding the back of the net remains the primary issue; they've scored just 27 times in their last 38 competitive games.

At the Aviva Stadium, this record is ever worse, scoring just twice in eight, last winning a competitive international at home on 10 June 2019.

So, the travelling Scottish support will very much be fancying their chances of a victory in Dublin.

Republic of Ireland team news

Liverpool's Caoimhín Kelleher will continue in goal with Gavin Bazunu out injured.

Matt Doherty is all injured, while captain Séamus Coleman is also a doubt having sat out Wednesday's defeat.

If Coleman isn't back, Cyrus Christie, who's currently a free agent, will start back-to-back Ireland games for the first time in four years.

In the middle, John Egan went off injured against Ukraine, meaning Dara O'Shea is likely to come in alongside Shane Duffy and Nathan Collins.

Aside from veteran James McClean, the highest scorer in the squad is Callum Robinson with seven, six of which came in October/November last year.

He and Chiedozie Ogbene are likely to lead the attack, possibly with Michael Obafemi coming in.

Scotland team news

The Tartan Army are without Kieran Tierney, while Ryan Jack and Lyndon Dykes are also sidelined.

Craig Gordon, still going strong at 39, will win his 69th cap in goal; only six Scotsman have more than that.

At the back, Aaron Hickey, Liam Cooper, Scott McTominay and Grant Hanley all started against Ukraine, but were all on the bench on Wednesday.

So, it'll be intersting to see how many of Anthony Ralston, Scott McKenna (both scorers), John Souttar and Jack Hendry keep their places.

With Dykes injured, Ché Adams will continue as a lone front man, possibly with Ryan Christie and Stuart Armstrong continuing in support.

Nathan Patterson could return at right-wing-back after injury, last starting a game in March, while Billy Gilmour is set to return in midfield.

Captain Andy Robertson has played 61 games for club and country since 2 June last year, but will probably make that 63 by Tuesday in Armenia.

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Ben Gray

Ben Gray

Arsenal fan – follow them over land and sea (and Leicester); sofa Celtic supporter; a bit of a football '"encyclopedia".


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