Republic of Ireland v Switzerland: O'Shea's men to impress again

• Republic impressed in Belgium stalemate

• Swiss have drawn six of last eight

• Expect hosts to be aggressive and compact

---

Republic of Ireland v Switzerland
Tuesday 26 March, 19:45
Live on Viaplay Sports 1

O'Shea has made solid start, but is it enough?

The Republic of Ireland's 0-0 draw with Belgium on Saturday wasn't one that will live long in the memory. Indeed, Belgium coach Domenico Tedesco called the game boring, and said he was glad to hear the final whistle. However, amidst the gloom of a low-key friendly was an Irish performance that held a spark of promise.

Caretaker coach John O'Shea saw his charges produce a display of aggression and discipline, and had Brighton's teenage striker Evan Ferguson converted a first-half penalty, it could have been a different game. Ferguson also had his nation's best chance of the second half, but he headed over when well placed. The return of veteran Seamus Coleman was a welcome one, as the 35-year-old snarled his way through a gritty showing, refusing to succumb to the trickery of Manchester City winger Jeremy Doku.

O'Shea praised the way that his players had assimilated plenty of tactical information in a short space of time, and he wants to see a similar performance against Switzerland. While the former Manchester United defender has been coy about whether he wants to replace Stephen Kenny on a permanent basis as manager, it seems highly unlikely that he would turn down the job if it came his way.

O'Shea isn't expected to make many changes. Blackburn striker Sammie Szmodics and Luton speedster Chiedozie Ogbene both impressed at the weekend, and could start again here.

Swiss need a boost ahead of Euros tilt

Although Switzerland managed a creditable 0-0 draw at the Parken Stadium against a determined Denmark, there is a sense of drift under coach Murat Yakin. The former Switzerland star has overseen a run of one win in eight, and in qualifying for Euro 2024, Die Nati finished behind Romania in their section. They have drawn six of their last eight internationals.

The Swiss certainly don't lack quality. Midfield general Granit Xhaka has been an inspiration for Bayer Leverkusen in their bid to win the Bundesliga, speedy striker Noah Okafor is playing well for Milan, and the back line features European champion Manuel Akanji and Newcastle stopper Fabian Schär.

Inter goalkeeper Yann Sommer is out with an ankle injury sustained against Denmark, so he'll be replaced by Yvon Mvogo.

Draw stands out as value option

I'm not often a fan of backing the draw, but here it does seem an attractive option at 3.259/4. The Swiss have been racking up the draws recently, and if the Republic play as solidly as they did at the weekend, there's every chance they can frustrate and contain a visiting side that isn't firing on all cylinders. Given that this international window is just before the final stretch of the European club season, if the game is level after 70 minutes or so, will either team go hell for leather in seeking the win?

If you want to use the Sportsbook's Bet Builder, you could combine the Republic to commit 11+ fouls (they committed 11 against Belgium, six or more corners and Under 2.5 Goals at 2.1411/10. If you take the heavy wins against Gibraltar out of the equation, Under 2.5 Goals has landed in six of Ireland's last eight internationals.

Now read other Bets of the Day here!