IRELAND EASY TO PREDICT

BELGIUM boss Domenico Tedesco predicts more of the same tonight despite Ireland’s change of management.

Tedesco has arrived in Dublin on a wave of success. The 38-year-0ld managed Schalke to second place in the Bundesliga in his first year in charge. He later guided RB Leipzig to the Europa League semi-finals in 2022, where they lost to Rangers. He was sacked later that year and he became Belgium coach 13 months ago, succeeding Roberto Martinez. The Belgians’ more recent fixture was a 5-0 victory over Azerbaijan in November, the cherry on top to end a qualifying campaign that saw them go unbeaten throughout.

Along the way, the world’s number four ranked side beat Germany, Sweden, Austria and Serbia.

Next up for Tedesco and his players after their Aviva visit will be a trip to Wembley on Tuesday to face England.

So perhaps the world’s number four side see tonight’s game as something of a starter before the main course.

However, with John O’shea taking charge of their opponents for the first time, perhaps the challenge of a team made harder by events is a possible fly in the ointment?

“Yeah, it’s not the easiest thing to analyse when a team changes coach,” said Tedesco (above).

“I know John O’shea was involved in the last stuff (under Stephen Kenny), but you never know.

“In the past Ireland played with three at the back, sometimes 3-5-2 or 3-4-3.

“But they have had similar characteristics (with both formations) - high pressing, high intensity, I think that once you play forward you push up the pitch immediately.

“It’s a really, really strong team in counter pressing. Ireland have good players inside in many positions, and I think the characteristics will stay the same.”

It will be the same high press & intensity we’ve come to expect