Republic of Ireland tipped for Nations Cup
The first ever Carling Nations Cup gets underway tonight with initial hosts Republic of Ireland facing Wales at the Aviva Stadium and Giovanni Trapattoni's men are convincing pre-tournament favourites to be the first country to claim the trophy at [1.82].
It's effectively a revamped version of the old British Home Championship, albeit with the Boys in Green taking the place of England to make it a Celtic cup rather than a UK-only competition, and Betfair punters are expecting home advantage to be enough to swing the balance in their favour.
Betfair Football pundit Andy Gray's tip Scotland are the second favourites at [3.3], although their supporters should beware that they haven't scored let alone won outside of Glasgow or Aberdeen in seven matches, which is why a sizable section of the Tartan Army remain sceptical about boss Craig Levein.
Wales and Northern Ireland both [5.1] outsiders and while the former and are under new management following the appointment of Gary Speed, it's Northern Ireland that are perhaps the more tempting given displays so far in Euro 2012 qualifying and their apparent relish for the big games.
Any nation that counts Gareth Bale, Aaron Ramsey and Craig Bellamy among their stars - although all three are missing for the opener against Republic of Ireland - are sure to attract interest but Wales are ranked the 116th best team in the world.
They also had a miserable record against their nearest and dearest in the British Home Championship, holding the dubious honour of being the only of the four participants that failed to win the competition outright after World War Two.
Who is your money on in Dublin? Share your thoughts in the box below...
Published: 8 Feb 2011
Leave a comment