Ireland vs Senegal prediction, H2H and probable lineups - June 6, 2025
One of this week's international friendlies will take place on Friday at Dublin's Aviva Stadium, where Ireland will host Senegal. I’m backing a bet on goals in this clash, with strong odds for success.
Match preview
Under their new manager, Ireland are entering a rebuilding phase, blending experience with youth. The team has been inconsistent—victories over modest opponents alternating with frustrating defeats, and an average of just 1.0 goals per match highlights a lack of attacking creativity. This friendly against Senegal will be a real test of Ireland’s mettle ahead of the continuation of their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign.
The absence of leaders like Seamus Coleman and Sammie Szmodics is forcing the coaching staff to put their faith in the youngsters—expect to see promising talents like Andrew Moran and Josh Honohan in the starting XI. The hosts’ main hope lies with Evan Ferguson, who will face a robust visiting defense. Ireland will have the backing of their home crowd, but their lack of stability and problems finishing attacks could come back to haunt them.
Senegal, managed by new boss Pape Thiaw, approach the match in excellent form—unbeaten in their last five outings, including four clean sheets. Even without Sadio Mané, the “Lions of Teranga” have looked assured, with Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson leading the line with confidence. For Senegal, this friendly is a key stage in their preparations for the showdown against England on June 10.
The team relies on a rock-solid defense, conceding just one goal in their last five matches. The duo of Kalidou Koulibaly and Moussa Niakhaté anchors the back, while Gueye and Camara pull the strings in midfield. Expect pragmatic play from Senegal as they wait for their opponent’s mistakes—this is a side that knows how to protect even the slimmest of leads with composure.
Probable lineups
- Ireland: Kelleher; Doherty, Collins, O’Shea, Brady; Ogbene, Cullen, Knight, Parrott; Ferguson, Moran
- Senegal: E. Mendy; F. Mendy, Koulibaly, Niakhaté, Jakobs; Gueye, Sarr, Camara; Jackson, Ndiaye, Diallo
Match facts and head-to-head
- The teams have never played each other before
- The "Under 2.5 goals" bet has landed in Ireland’s last three matches
- The "Over 2.5 goals" bet has landed in just one of Senegal’s last five matches
Prediction
At home, Ireland will look to put up a fight, but their attacking frailties and lack of finishing quality may prevent them from beating Edouard Mendy. Senegal, even without Mané, look composed and clinical, with a defense capable of keeping a clean sheet. The optimal bet for this match is "Under 2.5 goals" at odds of 1.75.
