The Republic of Ireland begin their Nations League campaign with a tricky trip to Pristina to face Kosovo on Thursday night.

Heimir Hallgrímsson’s side arrive with some momentum. Ireland are unbeaten in seven matches, a run that includes a 5-0 win over Grenada, a 1-0 victory against Qatar and a 1-1 draw with Canada during the summer.

Kosovo are heading in the right direction themselves. They won promotion from League C last time around and now join Ireland, Austria and Israel in League B Group 3.

However, preparations have hardly been straightforward.

Captain Amir Rrahmani and Florent Hadërgjonaj have stepped away from the national team amid a dispute with the Kosovo Football Federation. Elvis Rexhbeçaj and Florent Muslija are also unavailable through injury.

Ireland have problems of their own. Nathan Collins and Evan Ferguson are among several important players missing, while Jamie McGrath and Harvey Vale have also withdrawn since the original squad was announced.

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What are the best betting tips for Kosovo vs Republic of Ireland?

Both teams to score

Kosovo are not a side Ireland can afford to underestimate.

They have scored in four of their last five matches, including four goals away to Slovakia during their World Cup play-off campaign. Their latest outing ended in a comfortable 3-0 victory over Andorra.

Ireland’s defensive situation also helps this angle.

Captain Collins is out with a calf injury, while Séamus Coleman has not been selected.

Ireland should still create chances of their own.

Hallgrímsson’s side have scored in six of their seven matches during their current unbeaten run, including five against Grenada and twice away to Czechia.

There is enough attacking quality on both sides for this to become more open than Ireland would ideally like.

Troy Parrott to score or assist

Evan Ferguson’s absence leaves a sizeable hole in Ireland’s attack.

That could mean an even bigger role for Troy Parrott.

Parrott should have a good chance of starting in Pristina, particularly given his ability to play as the central striker or alongside another forward.

Kosovo’s problems at centre-back are also worth noting.

Rrahmani has withdrawn from international duty despite being one of the country’s most experienced players and their long-time captain. Fidan Aliti and Kreshnik Hajrizi are also absent from the squad.

That leaves Foda rebuilding a large part of his defence immediately before the opening Nations League fixture.

He should be heavily involved whenever they reach the final third, making the combined goal-or-assist market more appealing than relying solely on him to score.

Over 2.5 match goals

This might look like a game destined for a cagey 1-0.

The recent numbers suggest it could have a little more life than that.

Kosovo’s last five matches have produced 16 goals, including a remarkable 4-3 victory away to Slovakia. Foda’s team have scored nine times themselves during that spell.

Ireland have become harder to beat under Hallgrímsson, but they are not arriving with their first-choice defence.

Kosovo’s defensive absences are arguably even more significant.

With both sides missing established players at the back, there is enough here to take a chance on three or more goals.

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What have the managers said?

Franco Foda:

Kosovo manager Franco Foda addressed his side’s disrupted preparations this week.

He remains confident despite losing several experienced players.

“We are missing some important and experienced players.”

Foda confirmed that Rexhbeçaj and Muslija are unavailable through injury but backed the replacements in his 27-man group.

“We have 27 players in whom I have complete confidence.”

There is no suggestion Kosovo will approach Thursday cautiously either.

“In every match we go in with the desire and the aim to win.”

It sets up an interesting opening night in front of what should be a lively crowd in Pristina.

Heimir Hallgrímsson:

Hallgrímsson believes Ireland are beginning to build genuine momentum.

His team have not lost since last year, and the Ireland boss wants that run to continue through a demanding four-game Nations League window.

“We are on a good run, we are on a positive spiral.”

Ireland’s defensive improvement has particularly pleased him.

“We are conceding less goals and all the metrics that we are using to kind of look at how our performance is improving.”

Hallgrímsson also pointed towards Ireland’s seven-game unbeaten run when discussing the progress his side have made.

Thursday will provide a useful test of just how far they have come.

What is Kosovo’s predicted team?

(4-2-3-1) Murić; Vojvoda, Dellova, Hajdari, Gallapeni; Avdullahu, Hodža; Zhegrova, Rashica, Asllani; Muriqi.

Injured: Elvis Rexhbeçaj, Florent Muslija, Kreshnik Hajrizi.

Unavailable: Amir Rrahmani, Florent Hadërgjonaj.

Foda has some significant gaps to fill, particularly in defence. However, Muriqi, Zhegrova and Rashica give Kosovo plenty of experience further up the field.

What is Republic of Ireland’s predicted team?

(3-4-2-1) Kelleher; O’Brien, O’Shea, Scales; Ogbene, Knight, Molumby, Manning; Azaz, Vata; Parrott.

Injured: Nathan Collins, Evan Ferguson, Josh Cullen, Jack Taylor, Mikey Johnston, Jamie McGrath, Harvey Vale.

Dara O’Shea will captain Ireland with Collins and Coleman absent.

McGrath and Vale were the latest players to withdraw after picking up injuries with their clubs at the weekend.

Hallgrímsson still has several attacking options, with Adam Idah, Tom Cannon and the returning Rocco Vata competing for places around Parrott.

Kosovo vs Republic of Ireland prediction

This feels like a much tougher opening game for Ireland than Kosovo’s FIFA ranking might suggest.

Foda’s side have earned promotion to League B and shown they can score goals. Playing in Pristina adds another layer to the challenge.

Ireland are also travelling without several important players.

The absence of Collins weakens the defence, while losing Cullen and Ferguson takes experience from both ends of the pitch.

Kosovo have arguably been hit even harder by absences, particularly with Rrahmani stepping away from the squad.

That makes this difficult to call.

Ireland’s seven-game unbeaten run gives them reason for confidence, but Kosovo have enough attacking talent to cause problems at home.

A point would not be a bad way for either side to begin the group.

Score prediction: Kosovo 2-2 Republic of Ireland

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