Internationals / Mike Norman / 10 February 2009 /

Giovanni Trapattoni's men will have too much for Georgia and Northern Ireland's task is simple against San Marino but should you back the minnows to get on the scoresheet? Best Bet: Back Paterson to Score Anytime @ [2.5]

Rep of Ireland [1.39] v Georgia [11.5]; The Draw [4.7]

It won't be just Georgia on the mind of Giovanni Trapattoni at Croke Park on Wednesday night. A good performance and three more points are a must if the Republic are to become serious contenders to qualify for the 2010 World Cup.

Trapattoni has few injuries to worry about, and has a strong looking squad to choose from. In-form Shay Given will keep goal, whilst a back four of experience and quality can be named in the shape of Kevin Kilbane, John O'Shea, Richard Dunne and Paul McShane.

Captain Robbie Keane will lead the attack, partnered by Reading's Kevin Doyle, whilst a midfield of Aiden McGeady, Damien Duff, Keith Andrews and Glenn Whelan is likely if the Italian opts for 4-4-2.

Ireland beat Georgia 2-1 in the reverse fixture at the start of the season (played at a neutral venue) and should have few problems beating them again now on home soil. Just like in that game, a fast start is likely and backing Rep of Ireland/Rep of Ireland at [1.72] in the Half Time/Full Time market is a recommendation.

There is little head-to-head history to go on, though it's worth pointing out that Rep of Ireland have played Georgia three times in their history, winning all three and scoring two goals on each occasion. The Over/Under 2.5 Goals market is therefore a difficult one to call. My hunch would be to side with Over 2.5 Goals at [1.91], with confidence increased if Georgian captain and star player Kakha Kaladze is absent from the starting line-up because of injury (he is currently rated as having a 50-50 chance of playing).

Ireland have lost just once on home soil in European and World Cup Qualifiers during the last six years (and that was to France) and it will be a major shock if they fail to beat Georgia. Correct Scores of 2-0 ([6.8]) and 3-0 ([8.4]) will be popular selections, but with little liquidity in that market at the time of writing you can expect to get matched at bigger odds closer to kick-off.

With the strike partnership of Keane and Doyle having the potential to be a formidable one, it would be unwise of me not to recommend them in the First Goalscorer market. McGeady and Duff are excellent playmakers who will provide plenty of chances for the Irish strike duo - they will be available to back at around [5.0] (Keane) and [6.0] (Doyle) once the market materialises.

San Marino [25.0] v Northern Ireland [1.14]; The Draw [9.2]

Northern Ireland should have a simple task in beating the hapless San Marino. Premiership defenders Jonny Evans and Chris Baird have withdrawn from the squad due to injury and that might pave the way for San Marino to get on the scoresheet. If you can lay Northern Ireland at around [1.25] to keep a Clean Sheet then have a little investment.

Strikers David Healey and Martin Paterson have been in good form of late for their respective clubs and will almost certainly be among the goals should Ireland score a few. At the odds, Paterson is a strong fancy to score at anytime during the game - he can be backed at around [2.5] once the market matures.

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