Republic of Ireland boss Heimir Hallgrimsson leads his side into a friendly against Qatar in Dublin on Thursday no doubt still with major lingering disappointment at their World Cup qualifying exit.
The Boys in Green surrendered a 2-0 lead against the Czech Republic in March before losing on penalties, with the Czechs then eliminating Denmark by the same method to book their ticket to North America.
That leaves Ireland facing Qatar here before taking on Canada in Montreal next Friday.
Republic of Ireland v Qatar Tips Summary
Best Bet - Draw @ 14/5
Alternative Bet - Under 2.5 goals @ 17/20
Bet Builder - Jaden Umeh to score anytime, Under 4 goals & Over 7 corners @ 8/1
Republic of Ireland v Qatar Prediction
Best Bet: Draw @ 14/5
Callum Robinson scored a hat-trick in a 4-0 win for Ireland the last time these nations met in Dublin, but a repeat seems unlikely now.
The Irish squad is threadbare. Middlesbrough duo Alan Browne and Alex Gilbert are absent, along with Southampton pair Finn Azaz and Ryan Manning, as well as Strasbourg defender Andrew Omobamidele.
After their heartache in Prague, the Irish played out a scoreless draw with North Macedonia here in the spring and another draw could be incoming.
Three of Ireland's last four friendlies have ended level, the Macedonia game being preceded by stalemates with Luxembourg and Senegal.
Most recently, they were 5-0 winners against 163rd-ranked Grenada this month, all the goals coming in the second half.
Qualifying as hosts in 2022, Qatar have earned their first World Cup qualification for this summer.
Boss Julen Lopetegui has watched three losses in four games and will want to start building some confidence before next month's showpiece.
The visitors could frustrate an Irish side ready for a summer recess.
Alternative Bet: Under 2.5 goals @ 17/20
Seven of Ireland's last nine games at the Aviva Stadium have yielded under 2.5 goals and that theme may continue here.
Both teams have netted in just two of the last seven games played by Hallgrimsson's side and, before the Grenada win this month, three friendlies had produced a sum total of two goals.
Qatar have scored one goal in three games leading into this assignment and the end of season feel could lead to a drab affair in Dublin.
Republic of Ireland v Qatar Bet Builder Tip
Jaden Umeh to score anytime
Under 4 goals
Over 7 corners
Pays 8/1
The goal stats clearly suggest that this game is unlikely to be brimming with scores. Lincoln City's Jack Moylan scored a hat-trick in the win over Grenada in Murcia earlier this month, but the Irish will find Qatar a more challenging proposition.
Three goals or fewer is the basis for this bet builder, while at least eight corners is also worth adding.
Including their play-off loss in Prague, Ireland have taken 29 corners in three games. Qatar lost 3-0 to Tunisia at the Arab Cup in December in their most recent outing, but still had 10 corners.
This may be an end of season friendly with little hype around it, but for Jaden Umeh it presents the chance to fulfil a childhood dream.
The 18-year-old Benfica winger is set for his first senior international cap after missing the Grenada game as he helped his club's Under-19s seal a qualification spot in next season's UEFA Youth League.
Umeh shone for the Ireland Under-17s' in their run to the last-16 of the World Cup in Qatar last November and he is well regarded by his Portuguese club.
His pace, skill and one-v-one ability could be ideal here and he could be a key danger for Ireland on his debut.
Learn more about how Bet Builders work in our Bet Builder guide.
Key Match Stats
Republic of Ireland are unbeaten in six games (90 minutes), with four wins and two draws
Qatar have lost three of their last four games, drawing the other one
This is the third friendly meeting of these nations, with Ireland having a draw and a win from two meetings in 2021
Both teams have scored in just two of the Ireland's last seven games
Seven of Ireland's last nine games at the Aviva Stadium yielded under 2.5 goals
Qatar have failed to score in three of their previous six internationals
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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.
