Big Match Breakdown: Republic of Ireland v Wales

Odds and in-depth look at Nations League clash

Wales got the better of Republic of Ireland last month, winning the pair’s first UEFA Nations League meeting with a commanding 4-1 triumph.

But this time around, they’re on Irish soil and without the talismanic Gareth Bale. So the question is – can they overcome those hurdles and achieve that winning feeling again?

Ireland looked improved in their last UNL game, drawing 0-0 with Denmark. Ahead of tonight’s clash – live on Sky Sports from 7:45pm – we have a Big Match Breakdown on this clash.

Head-to-Head

Over the course of history, meetings between this pair are split evenly. They’ve faced off 16 times. Each side have six wins, with four draws also in the mix.

Ireland had been the dominant force in recent decades, having been unbeaten in eight meetings from 1993-2017.

However, Wales tore up that record last month, becoming the first side ever to hit four goals in this fixture – breezing to a 3-0 lead before half-time.

Likely XIs

Ireland went with a 5-3-2 last time out against Denmark, and it saw a marked improvement from the first game against Wales. They’ll probably stick with the system – and a midfield trio of Cyrus Christie, Harry Arter and Callum O’Dowda.

For Wales, the absence of Bale up top paves the way for in-form Sam Vokes to lead the line.

Ryan Giggs tends to go with a 4-2-3-1 system, with an attack-minded trio of David Brooks, Gwion Edwards and Tom Lawrence supplying Vokes.