After missing out on a place at the World Cup, the Republic of Ireland will begin their rebuilding process with a friendly clash against Turkey at the Antalya Stadyumu on Friday.
Martin O'Neill has selected eight uncapped players in a new-look squad as he seeks to move on from his side's 5-1 play-off defeat to Denmark.
Latest Odds
Despite this inexperience, you can get odds of 16/5 (4.20) with bet365 on them putting that defeat behind them with an impressive victory in Antalya.
Having also failed to make it to Russia after finishing fourth in their qualification group, the Crescent Stars are available at 19/20 (1.95) to record a morale-boosting win in this one.
Three of the last four encounters between these sides have resulted in draws, and there are odds of 11/5 (3.20) on offer on them cancelling each other out once again.
Team News
O'Neill's unfamiliar squad selection is partly due to an extensive injury list that includes Harry Arter, Liam Kelly, Rob Elliot, Jon Walters, Robbie Brady, and James McCarthy.
Opposite number Mircea Lucescu has omitted big names Arda Turan and Burak Yilmaz from his own squad, while offering a first call-up to rising star Abdulkadir Omur.
Inexperienced Boys in Green
While the new call-ups will add some much needed youthful exuberance to the ageing Boys in Green, they are likely to need some time to adjust to playing at this level.
West Ham defender Declan Rice is the only one of the six outfield players hoping to make their debut who plays for a top flight team, while only eight of the entire squad have reached double figures in international appearances.
In contrast, Lucescu can call upon exciting talents such as Roma’s in-form midfielder Cengiz Under, Milan’s Hakan Calhanoglu, and burgeoning La Liga talents Enes Unal and Emre Mor.
Preview and predictions
Having lost just twice in 16 home games, Turkey therefore look like good value at 19/20 (1.95) to see off an inexperienced Irish team that has failed to win any of their previous nine friendly matches on the road.
Odds correct at the time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.
Turkey to win at 19/20 (1.95) with bet365 for a 2pt stake
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