Preview: Canada Women vs. Ireland Women - prediction, team news, lineups

Canada picked up a point from their opening game against Nigeria, while the Republic of Ireland were narrowly beaten by the tournament co-hosts Australia.

Match preview

Canada's World Cup campaign got off to a frustrating start after they were held to a goalless draw by Nigeria, who had their goalkeeper to thank for saving a Christine Sinclair penalty.

Bev Priestman may be concerned by the fact that her side are now winless in three matches and have won just one of their last six matches.

After failing to score against Nigeria and in their last-16 defeat to Sweden in 2019, they are now at risk of going three World Cup games without a goal for the first time in their history.

However, the Canucks know that a win on Wednesday will leave them well set to advance to the knockout rounds for the third consecutive World Cup.

With Canada ranked seventh highest in the world and 15 places above Ireland, they will go into matchday two as the favourites.

Ireland, meanwhile, delivered a dogged performance in their defeat against Australia to demonstrate that they are not at the tournament just to make up the numbers.

Steph Catley's second-half penalty proved to be the difference in Thursday's encounter, leaving Ireland as the only team without a point in Group B.

Although there were plenty of positives to take from their battling display, Ireland will be eliminated from their first Women's World Cup if they lose to Canada on Wednesday.

Having won just one of their last six matches (D1, L4), the Girls and Green will be aware that they will have their work cut out against Canada.

After registering just one shot on target against Australia, Vera Pauw's side will be looking to offer a greater attacking threat on matchday two.

Canada Women Women's World Cup form:

D

Canada Women form (all competitions):

Ireland Women Women's World Cup form:

L

Ireland Women form (all competitions):

Team News

Chelsea's Jessie Fleming missed Canada's opening game with a calf problem, but she could feature against Ireland after participating in training.

After keeping a clean sheet in the opening game, Kadiesha Buchanan will resume her central defensive partnership with Vanessa Gilles, while Jayde Riviere and Ashley Lawrence will operate as the two full-backs.

Jordyn Huitema is expected to retain her place up front, and the 22-year-old will be looking to add to the 14 goals she has scored for her country.

As for Ireland, Pauw could be tempted to name an unchanged starting lineup despite losing out to Australia in their tournament opener.

Niamh Fahey, Louise Quinn and Megan Connolly will feature as the three centre-backs, with the wing-back roles set to be filled by Heather Payne and Katie McCabe.

Kyra Carusa will lead the line for the Girls in Green, and the 26-year-old will be flanked by Niamh Farrelly and Marissa Sheva.

Canada Women possible starting lineup:

Sheridan; Riviere, Buchanan, Gilles, Lawrence; Fleming, Grosso; Rose, Sinclair, Leon; Huitema

Ireland Women possible starting lineup:

Brosnan; Fahey, Lo. Quinn, Connolly; Payne, O'Sullivan, Littlejohn, McCabe; Farrelly, Sheva, Carusa

We say: Canada Women 2-1 Ireland Women

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