IRELAND are up against rivals Scotland in a massive UEFA Nations League match this evening.
Stephen Kenny’s side are in desperate need of a win if they’re to mount a comeback in their group.
They currently sit bottom, having lost clashes with Armenia and Ukraine, while Scotland beat the first of those two sides.
Scotland also find themselves top of their Nations League group, having played a game less than both Ireland and Armenia.
Stay up to date with all the action in our live blog…
Rep. Ireland 0-0 Scotland
7. Scotland come forward with intent for the first time.
McGinn feeds Christie in space 25 yards out, but the Bournemouth man opts not to take the long shot on.
First time for everything, I suppose.
Rep. Ireland 0-0 Scotland
5. Gordon urges Scotland’s outfield players to calm it down.
The visitors have been surprised by this early Irish tempo.
Rep. Ireland 0-0 Scotland
4. Early pressure from the Irish.
A testing cross from Browne on the right is too high for Parrott, and too quick for Knight, and yet still requires Gordon to scamper down low to push out.
Rep. Ireland 0-0 Scotland
2. In fact, it wasn’t so much the challenge from Knight, but rather the way that McTominay landed on his ankle that has caused the problem.
The Manchester United midfielder looks in some discomfort, and has hobbled off for further treatment.
Rep. Ireland 0-0 Scotland
1. Here we go! The two teams take the knee, and then it’s Scotland – in their changed white strip – that get us going at the Aviva Stadium.
Ireland look up for this, and it doesn’t take Knight long to leave his mark on McTominay. Just 40 seconds, in fact.
Here come the two teams!
What an atmosphere at the Aviva! More than 50,000 fans welcome the players of Ireland and Scotland to the pitch for what is just the 12th ever game between the countries.
And it’s a crucial game for both too. Ireland have never won a Nations League fixture, and this new generation of young stars desperately need a win to smooth their progress.
For Scotland, it’s another opportunity to banish the heartbreak of World Cup play-off failure, and to continue working towards the Euro 2024.
The action is coming up, but first the national anthems…
The Nations state of play
Here’s how they stand in League B, Group 1 ahead of kick-off in Dublin.
Ukraine’s 3-0 thumping of Armenia earlier today means they occupy first place with maximum points from two games, but Scotland could join them with a second win of their own.
Ireland have lost both of their matches so far, and are yet to score in the competition.
Credit: UEFA.com Kenny: Home success long overdue
Republic of Ireland boss Stephen Kenny has called on his team to show they are capable of beating competitors in front of their own fans, and urges them to use a packed Aviva Stadium to their advantage.
It’s important game for us, very important. The last significant home win against a team ranked above us was seven years ago in 2015. It will be a full house against Scotland, and should be a very special occasion.
Stephen Kenny
Among the Scotland substitutes tonight
12 McCrorie, 21 Kelly, 2 Patterson, 6 Souttar, 9 Stewart, 14 Gilmour, 16 Taylor, 17 Armstrong, 18 Turnbull, 19 Brown, 20 Campbell, 22 Hickey
Robertson, McGinn start for Scots
Steve Clarke makes two changes to the team that started Wednesday’s routine victory over Armenia.
In the back three, Grant Hanley returns to take over from John Souttar, and joins Scott McKenna and Jack Hendry.
Manchester United’s Scott McTominay also comes in to the team, replacing Southampton’s Stuart Armstrong in midfield.
It’s a 3-4-2-1 shape for Scotland, who have left wing-back Andy Robertson leading the team, and Che Adams leading the line.
1 Gordon; 12 Hendry, 5 Hanley, 15 McKenna; 23 Ralston, 4 McTominay, 8 McGregor, 3 Robertson; 7 McGinn, 11 Christie; 10 Adams
On the home side’s bench
12 O’Leary, 23 Travers, 2 Christie, 2 Stevens, 7 Robinson, 8 Hourihane, 9 Keane, 13 Hendrick, 18 O’Shea, 20 Hogan, 21 Hamilton, 22 Lenihan
Kelleher in goal for Ireland
Stephen Kenny rings the change after his Republic of Ireland team were beaten at home by Ukraine in midweek.
The 50-year-old makes five changes to his line-up, and also opts for a switch in shape.
In come James McClean, Alan Browne, Jayson Molumby, Troy Parrott and Michael Obafemi to replace Cyrus Christie, Enda Stevens, Jeff Hendrick, Callum Robinson and Chiedozie Ogbene.
And instead of a back three, it appears as those the hosts are going with a flat back four – flanked by Nathan Collins on the right and McClean on the left – that makes up a 4-3-3 formation.
1 Kelleher; 12 N Collins, 4 Duffy, 5 Egan, 11 McClean; 14 Browne, 6 Cullen, 15 Molumby; 10 Parrott, 19 Obafemi, 17 Knight
Dublin clash has bookies beat
The bookmakers make Scotland the slightest of favourites for this evening’s Nations League encounter with the Republic of Ireland, but – in truth – there’s very little in the betting.
- Ireland win 15/8
- Draw 15/8
- Scotland win 13/8
Odds from Betfair correct at the time of post publication.
Good afternoon from the Aviva
Welcome to our live coverage of the Nations League clash between the Republic of Ireland and Scotland.
If Irish eyes are to be smiling this evening, then a home win in Dublin will be crucial.
Stephen Kenny’s Republic have lost both of their League B, Group 1 encounters so far – a pair of 1-0 defeats to Ukraine and Armenia – and sit bottom of the table.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
