Republic of Ireland v Northern Ireland Predictions, Betting Tips and Previews

Aviva Stadium - International Friendly

Martin O'Neill's Republic of Ireland side welcome neighbours Northern Ireland to Dublin, as both sides prepare for UEFA Nations League action.

Past Meetings

These two sides last met in 2011, as part of the Home Nations Championship, with the Republic winning 5-0, thanks to goals from Stephen Ward, Robbie Keane (2), Simon Cox and a Craig Cathcart own goal.

Team News

The Republic of Ireland have recalled captain Seamus Coleman and Robbie Brady to their squad, after missing October's matches through injury.

However, Brady's Burnley team mate Ward is still sidelined through injury.

Northern Ireland have recalled Rangers striker Kyle Lafferty, alongside Leicester City's Jonny Evans, Southampton's Steven Davis and Stuart Dallas of Leeds United.

Republic of Ireland v Northern Ireland Preview and Predictions

Both teams have had a poor start to their inaugural UEFA Nations League campaigns, and the Republic have won just one of their last nine games - placing real pressure on O'Neill.

Northern Ireland's record is slightly better, winning two of their last 11 matches, but just like the Republic, they are yet to win in the Nations League.

They are both likely to face relegation from the competition, with a huge results swing in the final round of matches needed to avoid a joint drop, from League B and C respectively.

This game is unlikely to be a classic, despite the build up, and a draw - priced at - 2/1 is a good option as a result bet.

Goals have been a real issue for both sides during their poor runs of form, with two from their last four games for the Republic, and four in four for Northern Ireland - and an under 2.5 total goals scored is at 13/20.

Recommended Bets

A 1-1 draw at

O'Neill, and his namesake Michael O'Neill have both come in for criticism due to their poor performances after Euro 2016 and they will both be eager to get some positivity for their fans ahead of the start of the European Championships qualification campaign. However neither side are going to playing on the front foot, and a draw looks to be the way to go.

James McClean to score first at 7/2

Neither side has an outstanding striker in their ranks, but Stoke midfielder McClean was the key man for the Republic during qualification, scoring four goals as they reach the play-off stage, before ultimately losing out to Denmark.