The Republic of Ireland will take on Kosovo in their first UEFA Nations League B fixture on Thursday, travelling away as they aim to begin their latest campaign with a positive result.
Ireland arrive in this competition riding a solid run of results, having gone unbeaten across their last six outings. That sequence features three victories and three draws, including an emphatic 5-0 friendly win over Grenada, as well as tight, competitive stalemates with Canada and North Macedonia. Under Heimir Hallgrímsson, the side are focused on building steady progress and are chasing a historic milestone: three straight Nations League wins for the first time ever.
Ireland team news
The trip to Pristina comes at a difficult time, with Ireland hit by a significant injury list that has left Hallgrímsson short of options in key areas.
Current captain Nathan Collins is out with a calf problem, while experienced right-back Seamus Coleman is also absent from the squad. In Collins’ place, centre-back Dara O’Shea will wear the armband for the night.
The absences extend throughout the team. Striker Evan Ferguson, midfield enforcer Josh Cullen, and duo Jack Taylor and Mikey Johnston are all unavailable through injury, as is Oisin McEntee.
Jamie McGrath and Harvey Vale were initially named but later withdrew after picking up knocks on club duty, with St Mirren’s Killian Phillips called up as a replacement.
Despite the depleted options, Ireland will lean heavily on Troy Parrott up front, who is in outstanding international form with six goals in his last six appearances for the national side.
Ireland predicted lineup
Possible Ireland starting XI: Kelleher; O’Brien, Egan, O’Shea; Abankwah, Molumby, Knight, Manning; Azaz, Ogbene; Parrott
When will the match kick off?
The match will kick off at 7:45pm BST on Thursday, 24th September.
How to watch Kosovo vs Ireland?
For viewers in the United Kingdom, the Kosovo vs Republic of Ireland Nations League match can be streamed live on Amazon Prime Video UK.
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