Greece and the Republic of Ireland lock horns in a competitive fixture for the first time on Friday when they clash at the Agia Sophia Stadium in a 2024 European qualifier.
Greece currently occupy second spot in Group B on three points after beating Gibraltar in their only qualifier so far, while the Irish find themselves down in fifth on zero points following a 1-0 defeat to France.
With the Netherlands completing this pool, it looks like a tall order for the Greeks and the Irish to finish in the top two, but a victory for either side on Friday would certainly aid their cause of making the finals in Germany next summer.
Greece vs Ireland Betting Tips
Team news
Greece boss Guy Poyet could hand Sheffield United right-back George Baldock his eighth international cap since making his debut in 2022, while either Vangelis Pavlidis or Giorgos Giakoumakis are likely to start up front.
Ireland boss Stephen Kenny opted to leave out Robbie Brady, Conor Hourihane, Shane Duffy and Enda Stevens for his latest squad, while Chiedozie Ogbene misses out as he is still recovering from a hamstring injury.
Midfield pair Jeff Hendrick and Alan Browne have both overcome fitness concerns and are available for selection, as are the uncapped pair of Celtic’s Liam Scales and Peterborough United’s Jack Taylor.
Brighton’s Evan Ferguson is expected to be handed a start in attack after his impressive Premier League campaign, with Troy Parrott, Michael Obafemi or Adam Idah to partner him up front.
Greece to win @ 11/10
Ireland’s issue over recent years has always been a lack of creative spark and cutting edge and, while they may have more hope of scoring goals with Ferguson in the side, there is still the question of where the service will come from.
Kenny’s side failed to win three away games on the trot before only managing to edge past minnows Malta 1-0 in their most recent road outing and they face a much sterner test in Athens.
Greece have been out in the international wilderness over recent years, but there is certainly more hope they can qualify for a first major tournament since the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
The Sky Blues and Whites won Nations League Group C2, earning promotion to League B and also giving them an extra shot at qualifying for Euro 2024 through the play-off round, if they fail to finish in the top two.
Poyet’s side have only lost one of their last five fixtures – that defeat a 2-1 at the hands of Hungary in a friendly – but it is the home form of the 2004 European champions that really stands out.
Greece have lost just one of their last 16 home assignments, a narrow 1-0 defeat against Spain. To put that record into context, they have gone over four years with only one loss in their own backyard.
This seems like a bridge too far for Ireland to come away with a positive result and the home win, priced at 11/10, looks a solid option.
#PickYourPunt – Both Team 5 Or More Corners @ 9/4
Of the numerous #PickYourPunt selections available for this contest, the 9/4 on both teams to have 5 or more corners particularly stands out.
In Greece’s only Euro 2024 qualifier so far, they ended up taking 12 corners in that match against Gibraltar, while Ireland took eight corners in the 1-0 loss to France at the Aviva Stadium last time out.
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