Ireland vs Belgium prediction, odds & betting tips – 23/03/2024

23/03/24 - 17:00

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Rep of Ireland - Belgium

International Match

John O’Shea’s temporary stint at Ireland begins on Saturday when the Boys in Green take on Belgium at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin in an international friendly fixture on Saturday, March 23^rd. View our detailed betting tips for the contest below.

Ireland vs Belgium prediction: Goals at both ends likely

Key Stats

• Ireland have scored at least once in seven of their last nine home games.
• Belgium notched 13 times in their last five away fixtures combined.
• Over 2.5 goals landed when Ireland drew 2-2 with Belgium in 2022.
• Lois Openda rattled the net eight times in his last 11 appearances at club level for RB Leipzig.

Pre-game odds and win probability: Bookies fancy Belgium

• HOME: 12/5 (3.40) – 29.4%
• DRAW: 12/5 (3.40) – 29.4%
• AWAY: 1/1 (2.00) – 50%

*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change

John O’Shea is only expected to be in the Irish hotseat until early April, and though the 42-year-old will be keen to leave as positive an impression as possible, the bookies have given Ireland just a 29.4% chance of beating Belgium, despite the visitors being without Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku.

We’ve chosen to steer clear of the match result markets in our football predictions for the game, however, we’ve got a treasure trove of alternative international football tips over on our betting insights page if you’re on the lookout for something in that direction.

Last five H2Hs: Ireland rarely beat Belgium

International Match 26/03/22

Rep of Ireland

2

Belgium

2

Euro 2016 18/06/16

Belgium

3

Rep of Ireland

0

Ireland and Belgium drew 2-2 in an exciting friendly encounter when they last locked horns two years ago. The Republic have never managed to score a victory over the Belgians, so the Boys In Green will be aiming to make history on Saturday.

Ireland preview: Youthful XI expected for the hosts

Uncapped inclusions Jake O'Brien, Sammie Szmodics and Finn Azaz will hope to see minutes for the first time this week. Regulars John Egan, Shane Duffy, Aland Browne and Jayson Molumby have been left out.

Predicted lineup: Bazunu – O'Shea, Collins, Omobamidele – Ebosele, Cullen, Knight, Doherty – Ogbene, Johnston, Ferguson

UEFA Nations League 23/03/25

W

Bulgaria

1

Rep of Ireland

2

UEFA Nations League 20/03/25

W

Bulgaria

1

Rep of Ireland

2

UEFA Nations League B 17/11/24

L

England

5

Rep of Ireland

0

UEFA Nations League B 14/11/24

W

Finland

0

Rep of Ireland

1

UEFA Nations League B 13/10/24

L

Greece

2

Rep of Ireland

0

Belgium preview: Visitors missing two big names

Kevin De Bruyne has been left in Manchester for the current international break while Romelu Lukaku is injured and won't feature. Koni De Winter is in line to win his first cap for Belgium at the back.

Predicted lineup: Casteels – Faes, Vertonghen, Theate – Castagne, Onana, Mangala, Doku – Bakayoko, Trossard, Openda

UEFA Nations League 23/03/25

W

Ukraine

0

Belgium

3

UEFA Nations League 20/03/25

L

Ukraine

3

Belgium

1

UEFA Nations League A 17/11/24

L

Israel

1

Belgium

0

UEFA Nations League A 14/11/24

L

Italy

1

Belgium

0

UEFA Nations League A 14/10/24

L

France

2

Belgium

1

Player to watch – Johan Bakayoko

Big things are expected of young Belgian winger Johan Bakayoko, who has been tipped to develop into one of the game’s most exciting attackers. The 20-year-old has already been capped nine times for his country and a tenth appearance is in the pipeline in Dublin.

Bakayoko has been shining at club level

Johan Bakayoko is believed to be on the radar of a number of top clubs across Europe with a record of six goals and eight assists in 22 Eredivisie starts for PSV this season, it’s easy to see why. Blessed with genuine pace and a bag of tricks, Bakayoko could cause major problems for Ireland this week.

The latest Tweets from each camp

Ireland

For the first time in 2024… ?????-???

⚽️ | Ireland v Belgium
⌚️ | 5:00pm (Irish time)
? | @AVIVAStadium
? | @VMSportIE
?️ | https://t.co/3XYbGlUZjf pic.twitter.com/GEVjxNPRm9

— Ireland Football ⚽️?? (@IrelandFootball) March 23, 2024

Belgium

Irish green. #IRLBEL pic.twitter.com/6jJ5V15O7Z

— Belgian Red Devils (@BelRedDevils) March 23, 2024