England vs Ireland prediction: EUROPE: UEFA Nations League – League B betting tips on match 2024-11-16 17:00.
[p]Interim England boss Lee Carsley is on course to finish his time in charge on a high after opening this international break with a standout 3-0 win over Greece to put the Three Lions back into pole position for an immediate promotion back into League A of the UEFA Nations League (UNL). Another victory here against Ireland will guarantee promotion, although anything less leaves England at risk of facing the ignominy of a play-off early in Thomas Tuchel’s upcoming reign.[/p]
[p]Ending his England tenure at Wembley, Carsley will hope for a strong showing against the nation he represented 40 times during his playing career, and there were certainly no signs of ongoing affection when he began his reign with a 2-0 win in the reverse. Despite the criticism Carsley has faced during his brief spell, the results speak for themselves as he has overseen four wins from five, each coming by multiple-goal margins. [/p]
[p]Also managing for just five games, former dentist Heimir HallgrĂmsson may be feeling a little numb after a return of just two wins and a trio of 2-0 defeats has consigned Ireland to a League UNL relegation play-off. Having never left League B, Ireland will likely expect to come through that play-off on top, however, a confidence-boosting performance ahead of that is unlikely against England, given their woeful H2H history (W2, D9, L7). [/p]
[p]Playing away from home only adds to the pessimism around the visitors’ chances given Ireland have won just once in away UNL action to date (W1, D3, L6). Whilst four of those defeats came without reply, Ireland scored in defeats in both of their only UNL trips to other British nations, Scotland and Wales, so they may well up their game against their near neighbours.[/p]
[p]Players to watch: Despite England’s apparent injury crisis, Curtis Jones staked his claim last time out by scoring on his senior international debut and he may be ready to bag again after his last five club goals came at home. Brighton’s Evan Ferguson scored Ireland’s only goal in their midweek victory against Finland, meaning all four of the 20-year-old’s scoring senior internationals ended in victory. [/p]
[p]Hot stat: Ten of Ireland’s last 11 conceded away UNL goals came beyond half-time. [/p]
[p][i]Written by Matthew Billon[/i][/p]