All articles by: Ieuan Ivett

World Cup Play Offs 2nd Leg – Rep of Ire vs Denmark – Match Preview

Rep Ire vs Denmark – Match Preview – It’s all still to play for between Ireland and Denmark as they face off in their 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier second leg this Tuesday night.

An action packed first leg with over 20 attempts on goal resulted in a rather entertaining bore draw. Both sides came agonisingly close to breaking the deadlock however their efforts weren’t enough.

Martin O’Neill’s men now have the home advantage for the second leg which could become a crucial factor, given the Irish nature. 90 minutes of bellowing renditions of ‘The soldiers’ song’ and ‘The boys in green’ will create an atmosphere to remember for all who attend.

Can Murphy fire the Irish into the World Cup Photo Credit: skysports.com

Both sides suffered no setbacks in terms of injury or suspension in the first leg which will see both nations surely line up in their full-strength sides. Tottenham attacker, Christian Eriksen, was a huge threat to the Irish defence and was often the catalyst for the Spurs attack. This should be no different on Irish soil.

Skybet Anytime Goalscorer – Christian Eriksen to Score Anytime in 90 mins – 3/1

James McClean, who scored the all-important goal in Cardiff to get Ireland to the play-offs, is also sure to feature for his nation. The West Brom winger has pace to burn and a mean left foot that could pose trouble for Kasper Schmeical in the Danish net.

Skybet Anytime Goalscorer – James McClean to Score Anytime in 90 mins – 3/1

Ireland have gone from strength to strength since their UEFA EURO 2016 campaign, becoming a much more solid unit from the back. Brighton and Hove Albion centre-back Shane Duffy, has become the stand out figure in the defence, with his hardman persona and leadership qualities, he has become indispensable to the Irish defence. Moving up the formation, Jeff Hendrick has also become a key figure in the Irish attack. His relentless energy through the midfield and his ability to spot a pass has become a valuable asset.

Skybet Match Result – Ireland to Win – 19/10

Bendtner and his team mates will be tough to break down Photo Credit: skysports.com

The Danish squad is full of talents who play their club football all over Europe. They scored 20 goals in their 10-qualification group matches and only conceded eight goals; proving they are both clinical in attack and solid at the back. Celta Vigo winger, Pione Sisto, has grown into a key figure in the Danish attack in a matter of months. Can the Danes upset the Irish party?

Skybet Correct Score Group Betting – Denmark to Win 1-0, 2-0 or 2-1 – 9/4

 

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World Cup Play Offs 1st Leg – Denmark vs Rep of Ire – Match Preview

Denmark vs Rep Ire – Match Preview – The job isn’t quite done for either Denmark or Republic of Ireland who face each other this Saturday in a 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifier Play Off.

Both nations finished second in their qualifying groups which has seen them advance to this stage; a two-legged match for a place in Russia next summer.

The hosts finished second in Group E behind Poland who ran away with 25 points from the 10 matches. Spurs attacker Christian Eriksen was the most prolific for the Danes throughout qualifying, scoring eight and setting up three. However, even a goal from Eriksen in their last outing against Romania wasn’t enough to seal a victory. Having dominated possession and had more shots, Denmark would have been frustrated to have not won that ahead of this huge tie.

Eriksen will be Denmark’s danger man Photo Credit: skysports.com

As well as the Spurs star, Denmark have some other stars amongst their ranks with Kasper Schmeical, Andreas Christensen and Kasper Dolberg in the squad. These players are not only crucial for their clubs but for their country as well. Ireland will have their hands full dealing with the Danes.

Skybet Correct Score Group Betting – Denmark to Win 1-0, 2-0 or 2-1 – 11/8

The visitors had a much tighter qualification process with their fate going down to the final minutes in Group D. A huge 1-0 victory away in Wales was enough for Martin O’Neill’s men to leapfrog the Welsh and gain their place in the next stage of qualifying. The Irish have shown plenty of grit and desire in their performances thus far and for what they lack in talent or personnel, they make up for with a rigid system that had only seen then concede six times in their 10 qualifying matches. West Brom winger James McClean scored the all-important goal in Cardiff and will also be the danger man this Saturday. His pace and ability to strike a ball always makes him a threat.

Can McClean provide another winner for Ireland Photo Credit: skysports.com

Ireland have performed very well overseas since O’Neill’s arrival, getting 11 of their 19 points away from home, and that could be a huge factor over the two legs. The squad has an array of Premier League talent such as Robbie Brady, Harry Arter, Shane Duffy and Jeff Hendrick. Can they grab a huge victory away from home?

Skybet Match Result – Ireland to Win – 9/2

 

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Scotland vs Netherlands – Friendly – Match Preview

Scotland vs Netherlands – Friendly – Match Preview – The international break is upon us and sees the Netherlands travel to Scotland after both teams failed to qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Both nations finished third in their respective World Cup qualifying groups so recent times haven’t favoured either Scotland or Holland.

In their most recent outing, the hosts drew with Slovenia in a heartbreaking result that if won, would have seen them to the next stage of qualifying for the World Cup. A goal from the ever-clinical Leigh Griffiths gave the Scots a flying start, however fortunes turned quickly and although an 88th minute goal from Robert Snodgrass got them on level terms, ultimately it was another frustrating campaign for the Scots. The Celtic striker along with Stoke’s Darren Fletcher will miss out after withdrawing from the squad.

The Netherlands ended their campaign in fine form, however their earlier mishaps cost them qualification. A first half brace against Sweden from Bayern Munich winger, Arjen Robben, wasn’t enough for the Netherlands to leapfrog their Scandinavian opponents. The 33 year old has now retired from international football after failing to qualify for the forthcoming World Cup.The Dutch squad is full to the brim of talent with many household names taking the field for Holland most times, however in recent years they have bitterly underperformed for some odd reason.

Arjen Robben calls time on international football at the age of 33 Photo Credit: skysports.com

Both sides have proven goal scorers and not the most solid of defensive lines so expect some goals in this one. Interim manager of Scotland, Malky Mackay has named his squad with a few new faces amongst the list. Paul Hanlon of Hibernian and Jason Cummings of Nottingham Forest have their first senior squad call-up. Regular, Scott Brown, should feature as the Scots will look to overpower the Dutch midfield with an abrasive high press. A negative for the Scots though as Celtic striker Leigh Griffiths, along with Stoke’s Darren Fletcher will miss out after withdrawing from the squad.

Cummings is likely to start on Thursday night Photo Credit: skysports.com

Skybet Match Result – Scotland to Win – 13/5

Holland have been dealt with some late injury news following Jurgen Locadia and Kenny Tete’s injuries. Luuk de Jong and Timothy Fosu-Mensah have joined up with the national side that has a lot of familiar faces. Wesley Sneijder and Kevin Strootman headline the midfield with Premier League stars Virgil Van Dijk and Nathan Ake bossing things at the back. Should be a great tie with some great players involved.

Skybet Correct Score Group Betting – Netherlands to Win 3-0, 3-1 or 3-2 – 7/1

 

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