World Cup betting: Can the Republic of Ireland pull off the Italian job?

Posted on Tuesday, October 6th, 2009 at 1:50 pm and is filed under Football News.

By Josh Allen

With the World Cup edging ever closer the penultimate round of European qualifiers takes place this weekend. England have already booked their place in South Africa but for the Republic of Ireland, Saturday’s match with Italy could prove crucial. A win would see second place guaranteed, while anything less may leave them facing a do or die clash with Montenegro on Wednesday.

The Republic enjoy home advantage against Italy and can also call upon the expertise of former Azzurri boss Giovanni Trappattoni. Under his guidance the Irish are unbeaten in competitive internationals and have already held Italy to a draw in their own backyard. A repeat of that result can be backed at 2.96, while the Republic of Ireland odds of winning are 3.6.

The match is likely to be a low scoring affair, with both teams favouring a defensive outlook. The under 2.5 goals market looks a little short at 1.56 but 2.0 for under 1.5 goals may be worth a punt.

In Group 6 England travel to Ukraine, hoping to make it nine wins out of nine for their own Italian boss, Fabio Capello. The Three Lions have been in fine form throughout this World Cup qualifying campaign and secured their place in the World Cup final with a thumping 5-1 victory over second placed Croatia.

Another England victory is priced at 2.68 but they will face one of their toughest challenges yet, against a Ukraine side that must win - any less and they are likely to miss out on second place to Croatia. The hosts are therefore likely to come flying out of the blocks and a half time lead for Ukraine may prove good value at 3.0.

Elsewhere Wales are in action away to Finland but can finish no higher than third in their group. Welsh boss John Toshack has called on his team to take that third spot and improve their seeding for the next tournament. However, victory in Helsinki is a tough ask and Finland are rightly the favourites at 1.93, with Wales out at 4.6.

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