Republic of Ireland vs Belgium Predictions, Tips and Odds: Belgium look to extend long unbeaten run
After a miserable European Championship qualifying campaign, the Republic of Ireland will be hoping for something to cheer when they host Belgium for an international friendly in Dublin on Saturday at 5pm (UK time).
Republic of Ireland vs Belgium predictions
Republic of Ireland vs Belgium: Predictions |
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Bet | Prediction | Bookmaker odds |
BTTS? | Yes | 10/11 with BetGoodwin |
Correct Score | Republic of Ireland 1-3 Belgium | 16/1 with Boylesports |
First Goalscorer | Lois Openda | 13/2 with Bet365 |
The stats behind our Republic of Ireland vs Belgium predictions:
- Though Ireland haven’t beaten Belgium since May 1966, they’ve at least scored in five of the eight meetings since.
- Belgium are unbeaten in their last 11, running up a 26-6 combined scoreline during that time.
- Lois Openda has scored 19 goals in 26 Bundesliga appearances this season.
Republic of Ireland vs Belgium match tip
Lois Opendea to score anytime @ 11/4 with Bet365
With Romelu Lukaku unavailable for this game, it gives Lois Openda the perfect opportunity to show Tedesco what he can do at international level. The 24-year-old has been on fire for RB Leipzig so far this campaign, finding the back of the net 23 times in just 34 appearances in the Bundesliga and Champions League in 2023/24.
Belgium to extend unbeaten run in John O’Shea’s first game in charge of Ireland
Belgium are ranked fourth in the world and unbeaten in their last 11 matches, including topping their European Championship qualifying group with six wins and two draws. Domenico Tedesco is yet to taste defeat in charge since taking over from Roberto Martinez after the 2022 World Cup and will be hoping to extend that run going into Euro 2024.
He will have to do it without influential midfielder Kevin De Bruyne and top goalscorer Romelu Lukaku however, who are both unavailable for this game through injury, but Belgium are still expected to be too much for an Ireland side that are in turmoil, despite a new name in charge.
They come into this match off the back of a miserable European Championship qualifying campaign in which their only two victories in eight games were against Gibraltar, while they also drew 1-1 with New Zealand in a friendly in November. Those results saw the end of Stephen Kenny, who has been replaced by former Manchester United defender John O’Shea as interim manager. He will be hoping to stamp his mark on the side and possibly get the job full-time.
Republic of Ireland vs Belgium odds
Going into this game on the back of an 11-game unbeaten run it’s no surprise that Belgium are favourites, especially with Ireland losing four of their last six games across all competitions (W1 D1).
Republic of Ireland vs Belgium team news
Blackburn forward Sammie Szmodics will be hoping to earn his first cap after 21 goals in the Championship so far this season, while Lyon defender Jake O’Brien and Middlesbrough midfielder Finn Azaz have also been called up for the first time.
Romelu Lukaku has been ruled out with a slight groin problem, but will stay with the squad, while Kevin De Bruyne misses out altogether.
How to watch Republic of Ireland vs Belgium Live
This match will be shown live on ViaPlay for viewers in the UK and Virgin Media Two for people in Ireland.
Republic of Ireland vs Belgium head-to-head
- 26/03/22 – Republic of Ireland 2-2 Belgium – International Friendly
- 18/06/16 – Belgium 3-0 Republic of Ireland – Euro 2016
- 15/11/97 – Belgium 2-1 Republic of Ireland – World Cup Qualifying
- 29/10/97 – Republic of Ireland 1-1 Belgium – World Cup Qualifying
- 29/04/87 – Republic of Ireland 0-0 Belgium – European Championship Qualifying
Ireland are winless in their last eight meetings with Belgium, last beating them back in 1966. They have, however, drawn five times during this winless streak.
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