Midweek International betting preview
Republic of Ireland v Brazil, Tuesday 8.05pm
There’s an interesting clash taking place at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday, with the Republic looking to put their controversial failure to reach the 2010 World Cup firmly behind them when they meet one of the top footballing nations in the world.
Despite having home advantage of sorts, bet365 – £200 Free Bets are prepared to lay Ireland at odds of 15/2 and it should be noted that Richard Dunne and Robbie Keane will be missing the game with injury. However, Giovanni Trapattoni’s men proved in Paris that they can beat the top teams and Kevin Doyle (10/1 Sky Bet – £10 Free Bet) could have the opposition defence on the back foot.
Nevertheless, there will be plenty of UK-based Brazilians in the crowd hoping to see a spectacular performance from their compatriots and it’s 1/2 (Blue Square bookmakers) that these supporters go home happy after seeing the South Americans win the game. There will be no Ronaldinho, Pato or Luis Fabiano in the squad, although Nilmar (11/2 bet365) and Adriano (11/2 bet365) are sure to test Shay Given and Real Madrid midfielder Kaka (13/2 William Hill online betting) needs no introduction.
It’s sometimes tempting to think that friendly matches will involve a bucketload of goals, although this might not be one of them. Ireland reached the World Cup play-offs due to a strong Stoke-like work ethic, while this Brazil team is more defensive than predecessors. Under 2.5 Goals looks the call at 17/20 (bet365 bookmakers).
England v Egypt, Wednesday 8pm
In three months’ time, Fabio Capello and his twenty-three selected players will board a plane for South Africa hoping to end forty-four years of hurt by winning a second World Cup. Paddy Power – £20 Free Bets currently offer 11/2 that England go all the way this summer, although the manager has a number of dilemmas ahead of Wednesday night’s clash, including who to select at left-back.
With Ashley Cole out injured and Wayne Bridge having withdrawn, it appears to be a toss-up between Stephen Warnock and Leighton Baines to get the nod. William Hill offer 8/11 that the home team collect a morale-boosting clean sheet, while you can back an English win to nil at evens (Paddy Power). Capello will certainly be looking for John Terry to put his recent off-field speculation behind him and lead by example at the back.
England are red-hot favourites (4/11 Boylesports bookmakers) to win Wednesday night’s match, with Wayne Rooney likely to shake off a knee injury and take to the Wembley pitch as he did mid-way through Sunday’s Carling Cup final against Aston Villa. There’s no stopping the striker at the moment and he’s 7/2 (Blue Square – £10 Free Bet) to break the deadlock and 5/6 (Sky Bet) to score at any stage of the game.
Not that we should completely discount Egypt’s chances, with the Pharaohs having won the African Nations Cup for the third time running in January. Although they might not appreciate the cold English climate, the players are very passionate about playing for their country and you can get 8/1 (Paddy Power) that the visitors give Fabio Capello food for thought by winning the game.