Greece vs Republic of Ireland: Full Match Preview, Lineups, H2H, Predictions | UEFA Nations League 2024

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The UEFA Nations League returns with another round of mouth-watering fixtures, and this Sunday, October 13, 2024, Greece will host the Republic of Ireland in a vital League B, Group 2 clash at the Stadio Georgios Karaiskakis in Piraeus. With Ivan Jovanovic at the reins, Greece has been in scintillating form and will be looking to extend that stellar winning streak against a faltering Irish side. Meanwhile, Ireland will be keen to build on that recent success as they go in search of a second successive win in the competition under manager Heimir Hallgrimsson.

Both teams consider this game very crucial, with Greece looking to cement their position at the top of the group, while Ireland needs the win to avoid further falling off the pace for promotion. In the extensive preview below, we go in-depth into the head-to-head history of the two teams, then analyze current form and tactics before our match prediction with the lineups expected.

Fixture: Greece vs Republic of Ireland
Date: October 13, 2024
Time: 18:45 UTC (20:45 local time)
Venue: Stadio Georgios Karaiskakis, Piraeus, Greece
Competition: UEFA Nations League, League B, Group 2

Head-to-Head Record (H2H)

The rivalry between Greece and the Republic of Ireland isn't a very famous one, but the teams have met quite often. Traditionally, Greece has the upper hand, with Ireland yet to record a victory in competitive fixtures against the Pirate Ship.

Total Matches: 6
Greece Wins: 5
Ireland Wins: 0
Draws: 1
It has been dominance for Greece, especially in recent meetings. In their last meeting on September 7, 2024, Greece managed a comfortable 2-0 win over Ireland in Dublin in a match that separated the form of the two teams.

Greece: Team Form and Analysis

Recent Form: WWWWW (All Competitions)

Greece are in red-hot form, topping their Nations League group, having won their opening three matches. The Greece under Ivan Jovanovic's tutelage has found new life and purpose. They are playing some of the best football they have produced in years, and a victory against England in their last outing-where they won 2-1 at Wembley-sent shockwaves across Europe.

Jovanovic has introduced a far more structured approach to defending, combined with pace in transition when going forward, that has served to keep Greece relatively well-balanced. So far in the Nations League, they have managed six goals in three matches and let one in-a testament to their newfound resilience.

Key Players

Vangelis Pavlidis: The AZ Alkmaar forward is in scintillating form after netting twice in the victory over England. Pavlidis has become Greece's main goal threat, and he will no doubt be a major player for Ireland to watch.

 Anastasios Bakasetas: The Greek playmaker has been the master in midfield as he orchestrated attacks while contributing with some crucial assists. His ability to break down defenses will be key against a well-settled Irish outfit.

Kostas Tsimikas: The Liverpool full-back will be important in providing width and making overlapping runs from the left flank if fit. Tsimikas missed out on the clash against England due to illness but should make a welcome return for this game.
Defensive Solidity
Greece have always been rock solid in defense in the Nations League, something Dimitris Mavropanos and Pantelis Hatzidiakos at the back played a crucial part in, but they also do without the services of Konstantinos Koulierakis as he has been booked twice in the stage. Probably, it's close enough.

Republic of Ireland: Team Form and Analysis

Recent Form: LLLLW (All Competitions)

Form for the Republic of Ireland in the Nations League has been inconsistent. Following two defeats at the start of their campaign, they did manage to secure an important 2-1 win last time out against Finland. It is only fair to say that Heimir Hallgrimsson faced the challenge of blending in youth with experience, and though flashes of brilliance have been shown, inconsistency has been the watchword.

The earlier defeat to Greece exposed Ireland's defensive frailties and a poor run of form has left them sitting third in the group. Such a performance will need a marked improvement if they are to get something in Piraeus.
 

Key Players

Robbie Brady: The Preston North End winger had proven to be the hero against Finland, with the 88-minute strike giving Ireland all three points. His experience and his imagination on the ball shall, meanwhile, be vital to whatever chances Ireland have of ever breaking down Greece's back door.

Evan Ferguson: Having made his debut against Latvia in November, the Brighton & Hove Albion striker is Ireland's primary attacking weapon. Yet to score for his country and not finding the net since New Year's Eve, his frame up top and ability to hold play up will be pivotal against Greece's robust defenders.
Josh Cullen: The defensive midfielder faces the unenviable task of disrupting the rhythm of the Greek attacks. His ability to win the ball back and distribute will be crucial in transitioning from back to front.

Tactical Breakdown

Greece's Strategy

Greece have been deploying a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Vangelis Pavlidis leading the line. Jovanovic's side is compact defensively and is adept at frustrating opposition attacks before hitting them on the counter. Their midfield, spearheaded by Bakasetas, is dynamic, and often they use their full-backs, Tsimikas on the left and Lazaros Rota on the right, to provide width.

This implies Greece will do their best to dominate the possession, press Ireland high up the pitch, and capitalize on the defensive vulnerabilities of the Irish back line. Having Pavlidis in form, with a solid backline behind him, another clean sheet will be in their sights as they look to keep the good run of form going.

Ireland's Strategy

Ireland will set up in a 4-3-3 system, with Evan Ferguson fronting the attack. Hallgrimsson's side will make the trip with a view to sitting deep looking to frustrate Greece and hit them on the counterattack. Pace and width in Ireland's wingers -Chiedozie Ogbene and Sam Szmodics-are going to be important if they are to pull Greece's defense out of joint.

However, Ireland's defense will have to be very much alert, especially against a Greek side that has been clinical in front of goal. They are likely to go for long balls up to Ferguson, hopeful he can create chances from set-pieces and counterattacks.

Predictions

Given the current form of both teams, the clear favorite going into this match is Greece. Their home advantage, complemented by excellent recent form, sees them as likely winners of this contest. Ireland shall put up a fight, but their structured approach and attacking firepower should see Greece pip this one.

Predicted Score: Greece 2-0 Ireland

With Ireland failing to show consistency and Greece high on their recent successes, a 2-0 scoreline appears likeliest. Here, the solidity in defense and seriousness in creating scoring opportunities will be instrumental to locking the three points.
Probable Lineups

Greece Starting XI:

GK: Odysseas Vlachodimos
RB: Lazaros Rota
CB: Dimitris Mavropanos
CB: Pantelis Hatzidiakos
LB: Kostas Tsimikas
CM: Manolis Siopis
CM: Dimitrios Kourbelis
RW: Giorgos Masouras
CAM: Anastasios Bakasetas
LW: Christos Tzolis
ST: Vangelis Pavlidis

Starting XI - Republic of Ireland:

GK: Caoimhin Kelleher
RB: Nathan Collins
CB: Dara O'Shea
CB: Liam Scales
LB: Robbie Brady
CM: Josh Cullen
CM: Jason Knight
CM: Will Smallbone
RW: Chiedozie Ogbene
ST: Evan Ferguson
LW: Sam Szmodics

Conclusion

One of the most fiercest battles this Monday in the UEFA Nations League could be Greece vs. Republic of Ireland, since both teams have to meet different agendas. Greece want to seal promotion into League A, whereas Ireland needs points to keep themselves in playoff contention. Coming into this match, Greece is the favourite, but this is international football, and anything can happen on the day. It should be a well-contested game, though; Greece should have the better of it.