Every week, John Duggan brings you a preview and investment advice for the top football matches in association with Paddy Power...
Stephen Kenny needs a win as Republic of Ireland boss. He knows it, we all know it.
The 3-2 defeat to Serbia in Wednesday's opening World Cup qualifier was far from a disgrace, but the green shoots which we saw at times need to be translated into a victory against Luxembourg at Lansdowne Road.
Kenny has overseen nine matches as the national team manager and the first victory is still forthcoming. Qualification for the 2022 Finals in Qatar may be a stretch, but we need to show we are going the right way and a start would be defeating the lesser ranked teams in the Group.
The Grand Duchy are no longer 'tomato cans' in world football; they earned a draw against France a few years ago and have beaten Montenegro, Cyprus, Belarus and Azerbaijan in recent times.
Nevertheless, if Ireland play with pace and positivity, they should have enough for them in what is likely to be an open game.
Aaron Connolly is out, so that gives James Collins the opportunity to feature in an attacking position. Kenny may play Shane Long, but one would have to expect Collins to get game time. The Luton Town striker scored Ireland's second goal the other night and with 7 goals to his name in the Championship this season, I'm backing him to find the net at any stage of the contest.
Full commentary of the match is live on Off the Ball on Newstalk with Nathan Murphy and Stuey Byrne calling the shots.
Football recommendation: James Collins to score anytime for the Republic of Ireland against Luxembourg - 6/4
Good luck!
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