Republic of Ireland vs Northern Ireland. International Match.
Aviva StadiumAttendance31,241.
Watch live on Sky Sports Football from 7.30pm on Thursday
Thursday 15 November 2018 18:46, UK
Glenn Whelan could make his final international appearance on Thursday as the Republic of Ireland host Northern Ireland in a friendly, live on Sky Sports.
The Aston Villa midfielder will captain the side and win his 85th cap, and although Whelan says he will not officially retire, the game at Aviva Stadium could be his last for the Republic.
He said: "It has been an honour to play for my country. I would have taken your hand off to get one cap growing up so to get 85 has been amazing. It will be emotional tomorrow. I'm going to enjoy it as much as I can.
"I would never officially retire and say I'm not available for my country. I have told Martin [O'Neill] if he ever needs me I will be available for him. Saying that, I know tomorrow is probably the last time I will play for my country."
Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill says his side will be treating the game as a competitive fixture ahead of their Nations League game against Austria on Sunday - also live on Sky Sports.
"I would not categorise one game being more important than the other. For me, this is a double-header, and we will play it like a double-header," he said.
"That's the experience the players need to get, playing and then recovering, particularly when you are bringing new players into the squad."
Wolves defender Matt Doherty is out for the Republic of Ireland. He has a facial injury after being caught by an elbow during his club's Premier League draw with Arsenal and was sent to see a specialist.
Martin O'Neill confirmed that Robbie Brady would play a part after rejoining the squad, with Seamus Coleman also back in the fold. Southampton striker Shane Long will not feature, though, due to injury.
Michael O'Neill has welcomed Kyle Lafferty back into his squad following his late withdrawal in the last international break, which saw him suspended for one domestic fixture with Rangers.
Republic of Ireland have lost only one of their last eight international matches against Northern Ireland (W4 D3) - a 1-0 loss at home in May 1999.
Northern Ireland have never scored more than one goal in their 10 encounters with the Republic of Ireland, scoring just four goals in total.
Northern Ireland won 1-0 on their last visit to Dublin to face Republic of Ireland in May 1999, with Danny Griffin scoring an 85th-minute winner.
Republic of Ireland have won only one of their last nine internationals (D3 L5), winning 2-1 against USA in June thanks to a 90th-minute goal from Alan Judge.
Republic of Ireland have won three of their last four home friendlies (L1), winning each of the last two - they haven't won three successive home friendlies since November 2013.
Northern Ireland have failed to score in each of their last six away games (D2 L4), their longest run without a goal since October 2003 (six goalless away games).
Burton Albion's Liam Boyce has been directly involved in 12 goals in all club competitions this season (8 goals, 4 assists); more than any other player in the Northern Ireland squad.
Uncapped Ronan Curtis has had a hand in 13 goals for Portsmouth in all club competitions in 2018-19 (6 goals, 7 assists); more than any other player in the Republic of Ireland squad.
This one could have been feisty, but I think both sets of players will be told to try and keep calm and not to stir anything up in the crowd. So, dare I say it, I can see it being one of those comfortable, nice friendlies between these two teams given that they'll be under orders to not go mad and overdo it when going into challenges, especially early on.
Charlie predicts: 2-1 (9/1 with Sky Bet)
