The last space in the World Cup for European sides will be filled on Tuesday evening when the Republic of Ireland and Denmark settle their play-off tie at Dublin. The first leg finished 0-0 so as a Scandinavian band once claimed, the winner takes it all here.
Both these sides looked content to take the tie to Dublin with both in the hunt so having got their wish it will be interesting to see who, if either, are prepared to go for it and claim the big prize that is on offer.
Republic of Ireland
Not losing the first leg was a big thing for the Republic of Ireland. This is not a side who are kitted out for coming from behind so the fact they begin this match on level terms is very much a positive. The question is now whether they can find it in themselves to take the risks they might need to in order to seal their place in Russia next summer.
Another positive for Ireland is how tight they are defensively usually. They don’t concede many goals but that is often because they are very well organised and do not take undue risks. They might need to open up a little if they are to find the goal they require to progress although I don’t expect them to do that too early in the match.
Denmark
The Danes played into the hands of the Republic of Ireland in the first game. I thought they put a little too much emphasis on not conceding rather than going out to win the game and all that is likely to have done is set up a nervous night. Of course if they can find the net here they will be very much in the box seat but the stakes are high now.
The roles might well have reversed now. It could be Denmark who look to keep things tight here and look to hit the Irish on the break. You would think with the likes of Christian Eriksen in their side that the Danes have a goal in them and there is every chance that one would be enough if they can find it. It takes guts to go for it in these ties though and it remains to be seen if they have it in them.
Team News
The Republic of Ireland will get David Meyler back from suspension in this match. He is expected to slot back into the side. Rob Elliot has pulled out of the squad so he won’t be included.
Nicklas Bendtner came off the bench for Denmark in the first match and he is pushing for a start in this one although whether they want to make changes from the outset remains to be seen.
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Betting
I guess after six successive goalless draws in play-off matches this week the big question everyone is asking is will we finally get a goal here? I have to say I wouldn’t be ploughing too much money on us seeing one and if we do see a goal I don’t think we’ll see many of them.
Ireland set their stall out to contain in Denmark rather than look for the away goal and having not got an away goal they can’t really afford to leave themselves exposed in this match. Denmark didn’t really go too hard after a goal either in the first leg and I sense they’ll tighten up too. This could see another stalemate ensue and under 1.75 goals looks the bet especially based on what we’ve seen this week.
Tips
Back Under 1.75 goals for a 4/10 stake at 1.91 with LeoVegas
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