Ireland to win the second half – 9/5
IF YOU’D OFFERED Martin O’Neill and his Ireland charges the start they’ve made to their World Cup 2018 qualifying campaign beforehand, they’d have snapped your hand off.
They’ve amassed 10 points from 12, with three difficult trips to Belgrade, Chisinau and Vienna all successfully negotiated without defeat, and currently hold the best defensive record in Group D.
To be honest, a victory in Dublin over a Wales outfit ranked 12 places above Ireland really would be the cherry on the cake for the Boys in Green.
If you’re wondering where these impressive performances have come from, look no further than Ireland’s incredible efforts in the second period of qualifiers; O’Neill’s men have won three of the four second halves they’ve played on the road to Russia 2018.
Furthermore, five of the seven goals they have racked up in this campaign have come in the second stanza and they’re 9/5 for yet another strong finish at the Aviva Stadium against the Welsh.
Jon Walters to score two or more – 16/1
So often the linchpin in Ireland’s attacking plans, Stoke’s Jonathan Walters has a lovely knack of popping up with a goal when his country needs him most.
With 12 international goals to his name from 46 appearances, only three of those have come in friendlies. Translation – be wary Wales because he knows exactly when to turn it on.
An injury ravaged Euro 2016 will have made him hungrier than ever to experience a major tournament on the pitch. While never the biggest player, Walters possesses herculean strength on the ball (ask Germany) and must have granite in his forehead to deliver those bullet-like headers.
Unfortunately, he’s never landed a hat-trick for his country, but he has hit a brace on three occasions.
He could well be the hero you’ve always wanted by landing this 16/1 shot.
Over 2.5 goals in the game – 13/8
After dipping into fantasy a bit with the wonderful Walters, let’s come back down to earth and talk a little sense.
If you love your stats, you’ll know that the 13/8 punt on there to be over 2.5 goals in this tie could be the most logical way to wager your hard-earned cash.
Games involving Wales in qualifying to date have yielded an average of three goals per match, while Ireland’s record comes in at 2.5 goals per match.
Would we really complain if we saw that pattern continue at the final whistle on Friday night? Of course not.
James McClean to score first – 7/1
https://www.facebook.com/FAIreland/videos/vl.268460256926427/1483440885007986/?type=1
If you’re looking for a player that’s really stepped up to the mark after Euro 2016, then West Brom’s James McClean would be the one to receive a shiny gold star.
Derry’s gift to the Irish team will relish this battle with our Celtic cousins and you might be surprised to know he’s Ireland’s top scorer in qualifying with three goals to date.
Those strikes have almost single-handedly sealed six points from the 10 Ireland currently hold; thanks his beautiful brace to beat Moldova and his utterly unforgettable breakaway winner in Vienna last time out.
The way he’s playing at present internationally, you couldn’t rule him out to net first and thoroughly burn the Welsh Dragons at 7/1.
Paddy’s Personal Pick: Ireland to win 2-0 – 9/1
Okay. So maybe we don’t have the deepest squad in the world, and for that reason all these countless injuries aren’t great news.
Oh, and Gareth Bale was meant to miss this match with an ankle injury but has recovered in time to play. However, for some ridiculous reason I am absolutely positive we are going to win this match.
The good news is that I had this same feeling last Saturday when we headed out onto the same pitch with loads of injuries against England in rugby.
That’s my logic, and I’m sticking to it!
Ireland at 11/8 is a great bet and if you want to be greedy, I think we’ll beat them 2-0 at 9/1.
As for a goalscorer any will do, but I like Shane Long (if fit) to use his pace and get in behind them.
He’s 5/1 to score first and if you’re Gordon Gekko, Long and 2-0 is 33/1.
Fancy a punt on the World Cup qualifying? Ireland’s biggest bookmaker Paddy Power have the odds on every market – plus when you sign up and bet €10, you’ll get €30 in free bets. Check out World Cup Qualifying odds here, or simply download the Paddy Power app for iOS or Android.
For more tips, insight and the odd star columnist, head over to the Paddy Power blog.
