A dour affair in Dublin
On the comedown of Ireland’s penalty shootout heartbreak on Thursday evening in Slovakia they host a Wales side who have a 100% record in Group 4 of League B of the Nations League. Stephen Kenny’s men endured a goalless draw after extra time the same as Scotland’s and similar to that of Northern Ireland, but those British nations won their spot kicks and progressed the final playoff round. Matt Doherty of Tottenham Hotspur and Alan Browne of Preston North End missed from 12 yards seeing Slovakia meet Northern Ireland for a place at Euro 2021. It is looking very even with the bookmakers; Wales have been made narrow favourites.
Background
Republic of Ireland have failed to score in their last 210 minutes of football, seeing them hold on for a lot of stalemates, seeing nine in their last 14. Six of the last nine head-to-head encounters between these two have seen a 0-0 half time scoreline with a both teams to score no punt coming in on seven of those nine occasions. Wales had kept four straight clean sheets before their humbling 3-0 defeat against England on Thursday, further suggesting that this will not be the highest scoring affair.
One to watch
Daniel James did not feature in the England game possibly with this match in mind. The Manchester United man’s pace could be crucial in the absence of the likes of Gareth Bale and Harry Wilson, he will add variety to the attacking contingent that may be without Cardiff City’s Kieffer Moore who was forced off due to injury. Posing a different threat to John Egan and Shane Duffy than the physical one they might have been preparing for.
James managed a respectable four goals and six assists in his debut campaign at Old Trafford but has come under a bit of fire post-lockdown for being too one dimensional, not offering a lot to the team outside his blistering pace. This match provides a platform to show his manager he has what it takes to get back into the regular first team fold and push Wales towards promotion to League A.
Betting angles
Ryan Giggs’ men’s performance on Thursday did not fill me with confidence for this encounter despite their Nations League form, the wounded animal that is Ireland right now will be looking to bounce back. The unders market looks like the place to be with both sides having extremely impressive recent records of shutting out the opposite, furthermore with them both drawing a blank on Thursday.
Post bet chat Marcus's Tips:
There were only three shots on target all game, 0-0, we’ll take it.