Ugo Monye believes that it will take the "best version" of Johnny Sexton at the Aviva Stadium today to hurt England.
The former Red Rose star was delighted to see a change in "mindset and attitude" that led to England's win over France in last week's thriller, following earlier losses to Scotland and Wales.
"It was a combination before that of a number of factors," said Monye.
"A lot of the Saracens players didn't have much game time under their belt going into the Calcutta Cup defeat (to Scotland).
"There was a crazy statistic that Adam Beard, the Wales second row, had played more minutes than the England pack in total. That's nuts.
"Discipline had obviously played a factor and also just not being clinical enough. That Scotland match, England had 25% possession in the first half, it's very hard to win Test matches with that.
"It was nice to see an England team that was disciplined but very physical, that was in control and showed ambition and found the way to win the match. That's absolutely massive."
Monye played 16 times for England and just once against Ireland, a home defeat at Twickenham in 2010.
While neither side can win the championship, he's still predicting a humdinger of a game.
"Both teams need this win," he said.
"It's so important to win your home matches and obviously Ireland have that opportunity, and I was really impressed with them last Sunday against Scotland.
"Set-piece wise they were magnificent, they stole 75% of Scotland's ball, and to take away that much of their set-piece from them and the launch first-phase play, that goes a long way towards winning the game.
"I thought Johnny Sexton was brilliant.
"What Irish rugby needs is the best version of Johnny Sexton and we had that at the weekend, he was mega in defence and there wasn't a better fly-half at the weekend that controlled territory.
"If that Johnny Sexton turns up then England are going to find it difficult.
"Go back to 2018 and the Grand Slam they won at Twickenham, high ball pressure worked that day.
"In rugby, we're more ageist than other sports but no-one's talking about Alun Wyn Jones' age because the guy is flying.
"For me, Johnny looks as motivated as he's always looked, even at the old age of 35!".
Monye - who himself is 37 and retired six years ago - claims there will be no detrimental effect on the hosts for having to deal with CJ Stander's retirement bombshell at the start of the week.
"It was, 'hang on, you're literally playing some of the best rugby of your life, what's going on'," said the former Harlequins backline star.
"It's probably the first statement I've ever read from a player celebrating their retirement because often there's trepidation of what's next, but he's really looking forward to what's next.
"As a South African native coming over the Ireland, the way he's wore a Munster jersey and an Ireland jersey with distinction, he's maybe not a fashionable player in the way Toby Faletau in terms of side-stepping or off-loading, but no-one can question the commitment and sheer heart shown by CJ Stander.
"He has been a totemic figure in Irish rugby for as long as I can remember. As a fan, it's more just thank you, that's what it is."
****TACKLE YOUR FEELINGS VIDEO https://we.tl/t-wCzPsbuwwQ ****
