Republic of Ireland vs Gibraltar predictions: Big chance for Irish to bounce back
- Gibraltar have lost their last three games by a 3-0 scoreline
- Ireland have scored at least twice in four of their last eight home matches
- Recommended bet: Ireland to win 3-0
Ireland were dealt a dreadful hand by the Euro 2024 qualifying draw when they were paired with France and the Netherlands and they have left themselves with a daunting mountain to climb in the group after Friday’s 2-1 defeat in Greece.
They still have to face Les Bleus away and two games against the Dutch but they should at least be confident about beating Gibraltar on Monday.
Their opponents have not scored a goal in four meetings with the Boys in Green and this should be a time for Stephen Kenny’s attack, led by Brighton’s rising star Evan Ferguson, to boost their confidence against the minnows.
Team news
Ireland will have to do without full-back Matt Doherty after the former Tottenham right back was sent off in the closing stages of Friday’s defeat to Greece. Bristol City’s Mark Sykes looks set to step in and play in a wing-back role.
Otherwise the hosts are expected to be unchanged in Dublin, as are Gibraltar, who fell to a 3-0 defeat in a home game against World Cup finalists France on Friday.
The stats
Ireland have won all four of their previous games against Gibraltar without conceding.
Eight of Gibraltar’s last nine away games have been defeats that have featured more than 3.5 goals.
Gibraltar have lost their last six competitive matches, failing to score in four of them.
Four of Ireland’s last five home matches have featured at least three goals.
Ireland have won just nine of their 33 games under current manager Stephen Kenny.
Prediction
It seems highly unlikely that Ireland will reach the Euro 2024 finals in Germany and a 2-1 loss to Greece on Friday was a body blow in a group that also contains the might of France and the Netherlands.
But, having been beaten three times in their last 12 games at the Aviva Stadium, it would be equally surprising if they were to fall against lowly Gibraltar in the third qualifier of their group.
Gibraltar have proved they are not completely hopeless by claiming home friendly victories over Liechtenstein and Andorra last November but even though the Boys in Green cannot be considered among Europe’s elite, Kenny’s team still represent a step up in class.
Ireland will miss the supply line from wing-back Doherty after he was sent off in Greece, but they should still provide plenty of ammunition for Brighton striker Ferguson to make hay.
Gibraltar have conceded at least three times in each of their last eight away games and as Greece, the Netherlands and France have posted 3-0 victories over the team ranked 201st in the world, it would not be a surprise if Ireland matched that scoreline.
