The Nations League League B Group sees a battle to avoid relegation between the Republic of Ireland and Armenia with both nations sitting third and fourth ahead of the final game of this campaign’s Nations League, respectively.
Ireland were defeated by rivals Scotland last time out on Saturday, as John Egan’s first half goal was cancelled out by two second-half goals from the Scots.
FT | Scotland 2-1 IrelandThe hosts pick up the win thanks to second half goals from Jack Hendry and Ryan ChristieBack home on Tuesday 🇮🇪#COYBIG | #WeAreOne | #SCOIRL pic.twitter.com/lZpXmczLbX— FAIreland ⚽️🇮🇪 (@FAIreland) September 24, 2022
FT | Scotland 2-1 IrelandThe hosts pick up the win thanks to second half goals from Jack Hendry and Ryan ChristieBack home on Tuesday 🇮🇪#COYBIG | #WeAreOne | #SCOIRL pic.twitter.com/lZpXmczLbX
Now, as it has been for some time, both Ireland and Armenia cannot earn promotion into League A and will simply be fighting to see who can stay in this division.
In reality, this is a battle to see who finishes last and consequently gets relegated into League C, however, on the other hand, Ireland can afford to get a draw with their one-point advantage.
Based on the back of the last encounter between these two sides, that does seem unlikely, however, with Armenia beating Ireland on matchday one.
However, despite being one point ahead of Armenia, there is a huge difference between these two in the Nations League to this point. stunningly, Armenia have still managed to rack up three points from their five games in the Nations League despite letting in14 goals from only five outings.
This has come from Ukraine hammering them home and away, as their 3-0 win in Kyiv back in June was met with a 5-0 demolition back in Armenia on Saturday.
They have also lost 4-1 to Scotland on home soil and 2-0 back in Glasgow, with Armenia’s only win coming against Ireland on matchday one. Eduard Spertsyan scored the game’s decisive goal back in June as he managed to steal all three points for Armenia in what is their only points tally recorded so far.
Armenia will be hopeful in getting the job done, however, after beating Ireland last time out, but it does seem unlikely given their dreadful form ever since.
Right now, Armenia are sitting bottom on three points compared to Ireland’s four, and with such a terrible goals difference record, there is very little hope for them right now.
In fact, even during international friendlies there have been questions surrounding Armenia's ability. They managed to beat Montenegro 1-0 back in March, but following on from a 9-0 demolition at the hands of Norway, they registered another win and also their worst-ever defeat in the nation's history.
Forebet predicts a win for Ireland and for the game to see under 2.5 goals.