Both teams are in need of a win going into the match at the Aviva Stadium following frustration in the last 12 months.
Northern Ireland have won just two of their last 11 games, while Martin O'Neill's Republic side have endured a similar stretch with one win in nine.
"Martin's squad is in transition like ours," he said. "I think Shane Long not being available to them is a blow.
"But we'll have to deal with players coming in with a real enthusiasm to play, players that want to prove themselves at international level. Much like our players as well.
'With that comes a threat, the eagerness to do well, the eagerness to take the opportunity is something we have to match."