Republic of Ireland get their UEFA Nations League campaign underway on Saturday with a fixture against League B Group 1 minnows Armenia.

With Ukraine and Scotland also present in the group, both nations are under pressure to make a quick start in a bid to earn promotion to the top tier.

Match preview

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While it has long been accepted that Republic of Ireland are going through something of a transitional period, supporters understandably expected more from Stephen Kenny in his first year in the job.

However, that run of disheartening results is forgotten, Republic of Ireland now having lost just once in 12 matches, that solitary defeat coming in the final seconds against Portugal on away territory.

Kenny's side have not exactly got any noteworthy wins under their belt - the best being a 3-0 success in Azerbaijan - but plenty of encouragement will be taken from the recent home draws with Portugal and Belgium.

Ukraine and Scotland will be tipped to win this group, but the tag of underdogs against opposition who are not that far ahead of them should suit Republic of Ireland perfectly.

Five clean sheets have been recorded in their last six fixtures, the only goals being shipped coming in the 2-2 draw with Belgium in March.

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As far as Armenia are concerned, they are competing at this level for the first time after earning promotion during the first two Nations League campaigns.

Last time out, they topped a group which included Euro 2020 qualifiers North Macedonia, a return of 11 points from six games being enough to move into the second tier.

However, the highs from that achievement have now been lost completely. Joaquin Caparros's side have won just one of their last 11 matches, suffering six defeats during that period.

On a positive note, their 1-0 success over Montenegro came as recently as March, but a 9-0 thrashing in Norway followed five days later, making it 18 goals conceded in four matches.

These two nations have not square off since qualifying for Euro 2012, Republic of Ireland posting a 2-1 win in Dublin on that occasion.

Team News

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With Matt Doherty missing out through injury, Kenny may decide to switch Seamus Coleman to right wing-back.

That would likely see Nathan Collins brought into the middle of the backline in what may be the only change to the team which drew with Belgium.

However, goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu is back to challenge Caoimhin Kelleher for a place between the sticks, while forward Michael Obafemi has been recalled to the squad.

Armenia will make at least one change from the defeat in Norway, with Sargis Adamyan potentially taking the spot of the absent Erik Vardanyan.

Hrayr Mkoyan may also return to the centre of the backline with youngster Styopa Mkrtchyan dropping down to the substitutes' bench.

Armenia possible starting lineup:
Yurchenko; Ararat, Haroyan, Mkoyan, Hovhannisyan; Barseghyan, Spertsyan, Udo, Bayramyan; Bichakhchyan, Adamyan

Republic of Ireland possible starting lineup:
Kelleher; Collins, Duffy, Egan; Coleman, Cullen, Hendrick, McClean; Ogbene, Robinson, Knight

We say: Armenia 1-2 Republic of Ireland

Despite Republic of Ireland being the favourites to prevail at the weekend, we cannot help but think that the visitors will not have it all their own way. Nevertheless, on the back of a lengthy unbeaten streak, the Boys In Green may have the confidence to edge a competitive game in the closing stages.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.

Written by
Darren Plant

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