Have a risk-free bet on Republic of Ireland
Gary Speed's first game as an international manager threatens to be a mismatch as the rookie Wales boss starts off against one of the most experienced and successful tacticians of all time, Republic of Ireland coach Giovanni Trapattoni. He has won 21 trophies; Speed has sat in a dugout only 18 times!
That's presumably one of the primary reasons why the hosts of the inaugural Carling Nations Cup are [1.73] favourites to overcome new manager syndrome and triumph in the first ever fixture in the competition's history against a Wales side that head to Dublin having lost five of their last six games.
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If the FIFA world rankings are to be believed then there is a huge gulf in class between the two nations, with Republic of Ireland the 35th finest international team in the world and Wales behind Central African Republic in 116th place but the visitors' odds of [6.4] show this isn't the case.
The duo last collided in Euro 2008 qualifying, with the Boys in Green prevailing 1-0 at Croke Park - their third win in four encounters with Wales in the Irish capital - and being held to a 2-2 draw in Cardiff, however Trap's men aren't in great form having gone three matches without a victory.
These clashes are usually low on goals and with star strikers and usual captains Robbie Keane and Craig Bellamy among the high-profile absentees, the ingredients are there for that pattern to be adhered to. Under 2.5 goals is [1.68], the home clean sheet is [2.14] and 1-0 Republic of Ireland is [6.8].
Republic of Ireland v Wales
Kick-off: 7.45pm
Live on Sky Sports 1
Think the two teams will prove inseparable? The draw is priced at [3.75]...
Published: 8 Feb 2011
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