The last of the play-offs for the World Cup qualifying in Europe begins on Saturday night when Denmark and the Republic of Ireland embark on their three hours of action to determine which one will be booking flights to Russia next summer.
Both sides finished runners up in their group in the latter stages of the first stage to earn themselves another shot at making it to the finals.
Denmark
Poland had shot clear of Denmark in the group phase so the Danes have had second place in their minds for a while but it wasn’t until very late on in the piece that they were able to overcome Montenegro and make it into this play-off. They really came good in the second half of the campaign which bodes well for them.
The likes of Christian Eriksen have put Denmark in this position and with him fit for this match all eyes will be on him to see if he, and they, can build up a lead to take to Dublin on Tuesday night. It will be interesting to see if Denmark go at Ireland here or look to preserve a clean sheet which could be important.
Republic of Ireland
This is not the first time in this campaign that Ireland’s World Cup hopes have been on the line. They went to Wales in their final group match needing to win to make it into the play-off and against the odds they did that. They were rarely fluent in the group but the one thing you know about this Irish side is they will dig in and scrap until they can’t fight no more.
The lack of a genuine goalscorer has held the Republic back since Robbie Keane retired from the international game. In Shane Long they have a trier but he struggles to find the net which puts a massive emphasis on the defence to remain tight. Ireland will find it hard to win this tie from behind so a clean sheet in this first leg is huge.
Team News
Denmark will be without the injured duo of Riza Durmisi and Henrik Dalsgaard but as Martin O’Neill eluded to in the build up, they do have their talisman Christian Eriksen available.
Republic of Ireland will be without the suspended David Meyler for this match. Glenn Whelan is expected to replace him in the side. Stephen Ward and Jeff Hendrick are fit despite being doubts earlier in the week.
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Betting
We’ve seen two incredibly tight and tense first legs already this week and I’m expecting absolutely nothing less in this match I have to admit. I would imagine this tie will be won in the second leg rather than the first but I do expect Denmark to push on and try and get a lead to take into that match.
Ireland will know they just do not have the firepower to win this tie from well behind so I’m pretty sure containment will be their aim in this first leg and if that is the case then the onus will be on Denmark to break them down. I don’t expect Ireland to roll over but there is enough in the Denmark camp to eke out what could be a crucial albeit narrow lead.
Tips
Back Denmark to win by 1 goal for a 3/10 stake at 3.25 with Betfair
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