Friendly International: Republic of Ireland vs Slovakia preview

29 March @19:45 GMT

Venue: Aviva Stadium (Dublin)

Live Stream: fuboTV (US), bet365 (non-US)

Head to head record

Republic of Ireland vs Slovakia 0-0 (Euro 2012 qualifiers)
Slovakia vs Republic of Ireland 1-1 (Euro 2012 qualifiers)
Slovakia vs Republic of Ireland 2-2 (Euro 2008 qualifiers)
Republic of Ireland vs Slovakia 1-0 (Euro 2008 qualifiers)

Republic of Ireland vs Slovakia prediction

Following a 1-0 win over Switzerland, Republic of Ireland take on Slovakia at their Aviva Stadium in yet another home game. The Slovaks failed to beat Latvia on Friday evening and it remains to be seen if they are capable of spoiling Ireland’s party in Dublin.

Boys in Green high on confidence

Republic of Ireland missed out on a place at the 2014 FIFA World Cup finals, but thanks to a win over Bosnia in the two-legged tie the Boys in Green qualified for the Euro 2016. Martin O’Neill is doing a great job with the Irish national team, but his men face a difficult task in Tuesday’s match against Slovakia. Republic of Ireland, though, defeated star-studded Switzerland on Friday evening and that is giving the fans a reason for optimism ahead of the visit of Marek Hamsik and Co. The Boys in Green are eyeing their fifth consecutive win at home and it has to be noted that they managed to keep a clean sheet in each of their previous four home fixtures. Shane Long failed to score against Switzerland, but the Southampton attacker should keep his place up front and he could prove a handful for the opposition defenders.

Jonathan Walters missed the Switzerland game with a hamstring injury, but he could recover in time to face Slovakia. Jeff Hendrick is sidelined with a shoulder problem, with Harry Arter missing the match with an Achilles injury. Veteran Robbie Keane has been left out of the squad. Kevin Doyle Is yet another absentee in the home team.

Slovakia fired blanks against Latvia

Despite having 19 shots on goal in Friday’s game against Latvia, Slovakia played out a goalless draw with the former Soviet republic in front of home fans. The Slovaks were firing blanks against Latvia, but the team managed to keep yet another clean sheet and there is every chance the visitors will rely on their rock-solid defence in Tuesday’s clash against Republic of Ireland. Marek Hamsik is undisputedly the team’s key player and all eyes will be on the Napoli starlet when the two teams take on each other at Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Slovakia recorded four wins in previous five away games, but beating Republic of Ireland on the road is easier said than done. Stanislav Sestak did not play against Latvia, but he could lead the attack for the visitors against the Boys in Green.

Martin Skrtel is fit and he should keep his place in the starting line-up, while Matus Kozacik could start in goal this time out. Erik Sabo and Dusan Svento are both pushing for a start after the duo came from the bench in the goalless draw with Latvia. Filip Holosko is out of contention.

Quick Facts

• Under 2.5 goals were scored in Ireland’s last seven home matches
• Boys in Green are eyeing their fifth consecutive win on home soil
• Over 3.5 goals were scored in three of Slovakia’s last four matches
• Slovakia are after their first ever win over Republic of Ireland
• Under 2.5 goals were scored in three of last four meetings between the two teams

Republic of Ireland vs Slovakia betting tip

Republic of Ireland and Slovakia seem to be evenly matched at the moment and there is every chance we will see a close encounter in Dublin. Both teams look solid as a rock at the back and, taking everything into account under 2.5 goals bet should be considered this time out. In their last meeting the two teams played out a goalless draw.