Steve Clarke expects the Republic of Ireland to see the visit of Scotland as the catalyst for a Nations League rescue bid.
While the Scots beat Armenia 2-0 in their Group B1 opener at Hampden on Wednesday night, Stephen Kenny's side have lost their opening two fixtures, away to Armenia and against Ukraine at home.
Both games ended in 1-0 defeats for the Irish with Clarke wary of a backlash at the Aviva Stadium where the visitors will be backed by 2,500 Tartan Army members.
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Rangers keeper Robby McCrorie has been drafted into the squad for the away double-header for Scotland with Zander Clark and Liam Cooper dropping out due to weddings.
Speaking ahead of the game, Clarke said: "I expect a tough challenge.
"Anyone going to Dublin to play can expect a tough game.
"Obviously their last two games have gone against them but only by one goal.
"Previous to that, an eight-game run where they went unbeaten and within that eight-game run was Portugal and Belgium so we expect a tough game.
"They probably started the group with high expectations. It hasn't worked out for them in the two games so far.
"They will be looking at the home game against Scotland and hoping to get a foothold in the group to make the games in September meaningful for them.
"It should be a good atmosphere, it should be a good game and hopefully we can send the Tartan Army home happy."
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Clarke made six changes for the visit of Armenia on Wednesday night but will be more conservative when he names his team for the game against the Republic of Ireland.
He said: "You have to react to different games, different situations and different results can change your mind a little bit.
"I was pleased with the team the other night, I thought they did well.
"There will be some more rotations but maybe not as many as six."
On the changes to his squad, Clarke added: "I've lost a couple, I mentioned a way back about wedding dates and Zander Clark and Liam Cooper have both left the squad to go away and get married and we wish them well.
"I have called up Robby McCrorie who has come in as another goalkeeper, so good for Robby."
