Ireland v Luxembourg predictions: Kenny poised for first win as Ireland boss

Free football tips, best bets and analysis for the World Cup qualifier between Ireland and Luxembourg on Saturday.

Where to watch

Sky Sports Main Event, 7.45pm, Saturday

Best bet

Ireland to win by one goal
1pt 12-5 bet365

Team news

Ireland
Jayson Molumby and Aaron Connolly are doubts. Stephen Kenny will make changes from the loss in Serbia.

Luxembourg
Sparta Rotterdam left-back Mica Pinto has sustained an injury. Vincent Thill should be available.

Match preview

Stephen Kenny's wait for a first win goes on but after encouraging signs in Serbia on Wednesday, that wait should end now.

That might not sound like the boldest of predictions given the opposition are Luxembourg.

But once woeful Luxembourg are a good deal better than that these days, and while the Irish really should prevail, don't expect it to be a cakewalk in Dublin.

Ireland haven't won an international against European opposition by more than two goals since 2015 and Kenny's side don't look like a team who will batter anyone.

A victory for the hosts by one goal is the suggestion as they look to build on the 3-2 loss in Belgrade, where they performed pretty well for periods.

Kenny has pointedly made changes to style and tactics and needs to persevere with them rather than revert to type. He'll make changes to the side for this second qualifier but they shouldn't be too radical because there were some bright moments against the Serbs.

Ending an 11-hour goal drought was probably the biggest positive, especially as Kenny had picked the most inexperienced team Ireland have fielded in a competitive game for 30 years.

Luc Holtz's Luxembourg are on the up – relatively. Promoted from Pool D of the Nations League at the first attempt they duly held their own in Pool C and only conceding 16 goals in eight Euro 2020 qualifiers – in a group including flat-track bullies such as Ukraine and Portugal – shows they are no longer the softest of touches.

Key stat

Ireland are without a win in their last 12 internationals.

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