Republic of Ireland play host to Latvia on Wednesday evening in what will represent their first international fixture of 2023.
This game will act as the final preparation for the two nations' respective Euro 2024 qualifying campaigns.
Match preview
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When Stephen Kenny took the Republic of Ireland reins in 2020, it was perceived to be a long-term project, and that remains the case to a certain degree.
However, Kenny is now approaching three years in the job having won just eight of his 30 matches in charge, a ratio which will need to improve somewhere down the line.
Having been drawn in a qualification group with France, Netherlands and Greece, it is fair to say that the Boys in Green have been provided with an immensely difficult proposition when considering that they have lost four of their eight matches.
Although noteworthy draws with Portugal and Belgium have been achieved under Kenny, his best win is a 3-0 demolition of Scotland, highlighting that Republic of Ireland need to go up several levels to challenge for a return to the European Championship.
They ended last year with fixtures versus Norway and Malta, losing out 2-1 to the former before registering a 1-0 win over the latter on away territory.
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From Latvia's perspective, they enjoyed an inspired UEFA Nations League campaign during 2022, collecting 13 points from six games to earn a return to League C.
While they started their group with four successive wins, they concluded it with a 2-1 defeat at home to Moldova and 1-1 draw in Andorra, results which almost cost them promotion.
Dainis Kazakevics's side ended last year by competing in the Baltic Cup, beating Estonia on penalties before losing to Iceland in the final courtesy of the same method.
Latvia have taken the opportunity to face Republic of Ireland as preparation for their first Euro 2024 qualifier taking place versus Wales in Cardiff next Tuesday.
Team News
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Kenny may line up with a similar side to the one which started versus Norway, although a change will be made in attack with Callum Robinson not present in the squad.
With Evan Ferguson having represented Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday, Troy Parrott could get the nod alongside Michael Obafemi.
Seamus Coleman is pushing for a recall at wing-back due to Matt Doherty's lack of game time at Atletico Madrid, while Mikey Johnston may be considered for a debut off the substitutes' bench after switching his allegiances from Scotland.
Meanwhile, Latvia could line up with the same side which earned a draw with Iceland during normal time last time out.
That came despite Raimonds Krollis being dismissed after just 27 minutes, and Kazakevics may wish to try to build on that encouraging show of character.
Republic of Ireland possible starting lineup:
Bazunu; Coleman, Collins, Egan, O'Shea, O'Dowda; Cullen, Molumby; Browne; Obafemi, Parrott
Latvia possible starting lineup:
Steinbors; Sorokins, Cernomordijs, Balodis, Jurkovskis; Jaunzems, Emsis, Zjuzins, Ciganiks; Ikauniekis, Krollis
We say: Republic of Ireland 2-0 Latvia
With this just being a friendly, Kenny may want to take a look at as many players as possible as he considers his options for France. Nevertheless, we expect his squad to do more than enough to secure victory, potentially with a goal in each half and a clean sheet.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Top tip
Darren Plant
