Greece vs Ireland: Nations League Showdown – Match Preview

The UEFA Nations League B clash between Greece and Ireland on October 13, 2024, promises to be a significant encounter. With both teams coming off varying results, Greece looks to maintain their dominance while Ireland hopes to turn the tide. In this article, we’ll break down the key stats, analyze the teams’ recent form, and provide a comprehensive prediction that can outperform the competition.

Head-to-Head Record: Greece Dominates Ireland

Historically, Greece has been the stronger side when facing Ireland. The last three encounters between the two teams have ended in favor of Greece, including a recent 2-0 victory at Aviva Stadium. With solid performances and a winning momentum, Greece enters this match as the clear favorite.

Key Head-to-Head Statistics

  • Greece has won their last three matches against Ireland.
  • Greece has kept clean sheets in all three of these encounters.
  • Ireland has failed to score in their last three meetings with Greece.

Greece’s Recent Form

Greece’s recent performances have been impressive, especially their 2-1 victory over England at Wembley in their last outing. The team, managed by Ivan Jovanovic, continues to deliver on both ends of the pitch, displaying a solid defensive unit while capitalizing on their attacking opportunities.

Greece’s Last 10 Competitive Games

  • Wins: 6
  • Losses: 3
  • Draws: 1
  • Goals per game: 2.3
  • Shots on goal: 4.2
  • Average possession: 49.3%
  • Clean sheets: 5 in their last 10 matches

The attacking trio of Fotis Ioannidis, Giorgos Masouras, and Vangelis Pavlidis has been effective, with Ioannidis leading the scoring charts at 5 goals. Anastasios Bakasetas has proven to be a crucial playmaker, with 4 assists in his last 10 appearances.

Defensive Resilience

Greece’s defense has shown resilience, conceding only 1.1 goals per game, and Odisseas Vlachodimos, their goalkeeper, has kept 5 clean sheets during the same period. The defensive duo of Konstantinos Mavropanos and Panagiotis Retsos has been formidable, limiting the opponents’ chances and helping Greece maintain a strong defensive record.

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Ireland’s Struggles

Ireland’s recent form, however, has been less encouraging. With only three wins in their last ten competitive matches, they have struggled to find consistency both in attack and defense. Despite their 2-1 win against Finland, Ireland’s overall performance has been lackluster.

Ireland’s Last 10 Competitive Games

  • Wins: 3
  • Losses: 7
  • Goals per game: 1.1
  • Shots on goal: 4.9
  • Average possession: 50.1%
  • Clean sheets: 1 in their last 10 matches

The team’s attacking output has been disappointing, with Michael Johnston, Evan Ferguson, and Adam Idah each contributing only 2 goals. The defensive side has also been shaky, with Ireland conceding 1.4 goals per game from 11.6 opponent attempts.

Key Greece vs Ireland Match Stats

  • Greece has scored 2 or more goals in 9 of their last 10 home matches.
  • Greece has won 4 consecutive matches.
  • Greece has kept 6 clean sheets in their last 10 home games.
  • Ireland has lost 6 of their last 10 away matches.
  • Ireland has conceded 2 or more goals in 9 of their last 20 matches.

These stats paint a clear picture: Greece enters the match with momentum, strong form, and a defensive solidity that Ireland will find difficult to break down.

Greece vs Ireland Predicted Lineups

Greece (4-2-3-1)

  • GK: Odisseas Vlachodimos
  • DEF: Lazaros Rota, Konstantinos Mavropanos, Panagiotis Retsos, Dimitrios Giannoulis
  • MID: Dimitrios Kourbelis, Manolis Siopis, Giorgos Masouras, Anastasios Bakasetas, Christos Tzolis
  • FWD: Vangelis Pavlidis

Ireland (4-2-3-1)

  • GK: Caoimhin Kelleher
  • DEF: Dara O’Shea, Liam Scales, Nathan Collins, Robert Brady
  • MID: Jason Knight, Josh Cullen, Chiedozie Ogbene, Finn Azaz, Sammie Szmodics
  • FWD: Evan Ferguson

Greece vs Ireland Expert Analysis and Prediction

Based on recent form, Greece’s superior track record, and Ireland’s struggles, Greece is poised to secure another victory. The home advantage plays a significant role, and with a solid defense and potent attack, Greece is expected to control the match.

Greece vs Ireland Prediction

  • Greece to Win @ 1.77 (56% probability according to betting odds)
  • Scoreline: Greece 2-0 Ireland
  • Alternative Bet: Greece -1 Handicap for better value at 2.1

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Conclusion

In this Nations League clash, Greece stands out as the stronger team in terms of form, defensive stability, and head-to-head record. Ireland will need to improve their offensive output significantly to challenge Greece, but based on current trends, Greece should come away with a comfortable win.