Wales v Republic of Ireland
Sunday November 15, 17:00
Live On Sky Sports Football
Familiar opponents reunited
Clashes between Wales and Ireland in football are beginning to become as frequent as they are in rugby.
The rivals in the World Cup 2018 qualifying campaign have subsequently been drawn together in both renewals of the UEFA Nations League.
Here’s the scorelines from their five meetings since March 17; 0-0, 0-1 (Ireland), 4-1 (Wales), 0-1 (Wales), 0-0.
One result stands out there, the 4-1 drubbing the Irish suffered in Cardiff which illustrated that the end was nigh for Martin O’Neill. It was a freakish night, and can be written off as such.
But there’s a pattern that runs through the other matches that should be informative when it comes to this game. There’s generally very little between the sides, and it hasn’t always been easy for the home team to assert themselves.
Ireland arguably shaded a goalless affair in Dublin last month, despite losing five players on the morning of the game due to Covid-19 matters, but Wales do have Gareth Bale back for this fixture. It should be another close run thing.
Nations League motivation
Wales have 10 points from 12 in the UEFA Nations League, yet have scored just three goals.
If they can top their group, they will start World Cup qualifying next year knowing they have an excellent chance of a playoff even if they struggle.
Hence, their desire to press on and win this.
It’s worth noting that all four of their games have been 0-0 with 10 minutes remaining but they nabbed late winners against Bulgaria (twice) and away to Finland. The Ireland game was the exception where they couldn’t strike late.
They have suffered disruption before this gathering with manager Ryan Giggs out of the equation for personal reasons. We will know more about the extent of his impact on this young group after this gathering.
Bale’s return will be welcome for caretaker boss Robert Page; he was involved in the September double header and tends to be tightly marshalled and it’s sometimes the case that his presence opens space for others. Aaron Ramsey played in Dublin but is unavailable this time.
Ireland have another motivation. They have to avoid relegation to League C but, more pertinently, good competitive results in this window will enhance their chances of second seed status in December’s World Cup qualifying draw although Thursday’s results across Europe did not help them. There will be no experimentation here even if top spot is beyond them.
Goalscoring issues
Bale was not involved in Wales’ scoreless draw with the USA on Thursday, the same night that Ireland were losing 3-0 in a Wembley friendly – an identical fate to that suffered by Wales last month.
Stephen Kenny’s hand was weakened beforehand by the loss of Aaron Connolly and Callum Robinson from his plans. Connolly was poised to take over in a central role after the retirement of David McGoldrick, while Robinson was another contender for that position or a wide attacking berth. Norwich teenager Adam Idah found it hard against England.
Kenny lost captain Seamus Coleman and midfielder James McCarthy on the eve of the game and starting centre half John Egan was withdrawn inside 15 minutes. He could do with a change of fortune.
However, Ireland’s players will be happier coming up against a Welsh side that is closer to their level – compared to England – in terms of where the squad operates. It’s possible that the depleted nature of Ireland’s squad might prompt Welsh odds to contract even further but the recent history of this fixture suggests that the opportunity to lay the natives at 2.26/5 is worth taking. You’ll probably be on a winner with 15 minutes remaining anyway and can then trade accordingly if you so wish.
Alternatively, the 5/4 about Under 1.5 Goals on Sportsbook is appealing, even if it isn’t exactly an advertisement for setting aside the time to watch.
Source: BetFair Tips
