Republic of Ireland VS Wales Match Prediction
2018-10-16
18:45:00
Republic of Ireland
VS
Wales
Our Prediction Tip
Draw will win this match.
2018-10-1618:45:00 Draw will win this match.
Wales’ 4-1 win in Cardiff in the reverse fixture means Wales and the Republic of Ireland have each won six of their 16 matches against each other, with four draws. Wales had not previously won since 1991, however – a run of four Irish wins and those four draws in the eight matches in between. That included the World Cup qualifiers last year, when the two teams drew 0-0 in Dublin before James McClean scored the only goal in Cardiff to send Ireland into the play-offs at the expense of the Welsh. Wales got their revenge last time out as Tom Lawrence, Gareth Bale, Aaron Ramsey and Connor Roberts all scored in the 4-1 win, however – Shaun Williams scoring Ireland’s second-half consolation.
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It may have been a one-sided affair the last time these two teams met, but the Irish are much better team than that night showed and will be keen to prove so in Dublin.
Martin O’Neill’s side have responded well too, with the draw with Denmark last time out keeping their UEFA Nations League campaign on target.
Wales, meanwhile, were being thrashed at home to Spain which – while only a friendly – exposed some of their shortcomings.
Without Gareth Bale, they look a totally different team – he also missed the defeat in Cardiff against the Republic of Ireland that ended Wales’ World Cup hopes last year.
Clearly he is their key player, and anyone would miss a player of his quality, but the Welsh seem dependent on their talisman.
Ireland’s defensive task will certainly be more forgiving in Bale’s absence, but they still have the likes of Aaron Ramsey and Tom Lawrence to keep a close eye on.
Nevertheless, with Harry Arter back in the midfield, and after two draws in their last two games, they have restored some much-needed solidity.
A draw in Dublin would suit Wales more than it would suit the hosts, but it would not be the worst result either. Ireland have drawn their last two matches, and a third in a row could well be on the cards.
Republic of Ireland can be backed at 31/20 to beat Wales at home in Dublin, with the visitors priced at 23/10 with Bet365 and the draw at 2/1. The draw, as was the result last time they played each other in Ireland, looks tempting.
Both teams scored in Cardiff, and Betfair and have set both teams to score at 23/20 this time out. Their last match in Dublin finished goalless, however – and you can back against BTTS at 4/6 with Bet365 and Betfair.
If there are goals, Sam Vokes will be Wales' central focal point after netting in the defeat to Spain too. The Burnley striker is 12/5 to score at any time with Bet365. Aaron Ramsey, who scored in the reverse fixture in Cardiff, could be another option at 15/4.
Republic of Ireland will be keen to bounce back from their defeat in Cardiff against Gareth Bale-less Wales. Without their star man, Wales are significantly weakened but a draw could be on the cards – as was the case when they met in Dublin last year.
Harry Arter returned to the squad for these two fixtures and regained his place in central midfield against Denmark. Callum O’Dowda is a doubt, having been taken off at half-time in that game. Enda Stevens replaced him and could therefore feature from the start against Wales or Conor Hourihane is another option, while Ronan Curtis has been added to the squad to add an extra option up front.
Harry Arter – Offers Premier League experience and probing passes in the middle of midfield, and was missed last time these two teams met.
Matt Doherty – The tireless Wolves wing-back claimed one goal and two assists in his last four Wolves appearances before linking up with the Irish squad.
Shane Duffy – Rewarded for his consistent performances with Brighton with a new contract and will now hope to lead the Irish defence against Wales’ Bale-less front line.
Republic of Ireland have won just one of their last eight matches – a friendly against the United States in June – but they have drawn their last two matches since the heavy defeat to Wales in Cardiff. After the 4-1 loss to the Welsh, they drew 1-1 with Poland – Aiden O’Brien getting the goal before the hosts snatched a late equaliser. Last time out, meanwhile, they drew 0-0 with Denmark.
Gareth Bale will not feature against Ireland after failing to recover from the knock he suffered playing for Real Madrid. Kieron Freeman and Gwion Edwards have linked up with the squad and could make their international debuts if selected, with Ethan Ampadu and Chris Mepham also back with the respective clubs. Paul Dummett had already withdrawn to be replaced by uncapped Joe Rodon.
Aaron Ramsey – Arsenal’s playmaker has scored 14 times in 56 games for Wales, and is their most obvious creative option in Gareth Bale’s absence.
Sam Vokes – His consolation goal against Spain was his 11th for Wales in 60 previous appearances.
David Brooks – A key component of Bournemouth’s impressive start to the Premier League season, and could come into the starting line-up after being a sub against Spain.
Wales have lost both games they have played since thrashing Ireland last time they met – which itself was Ryan Giggs’ second win in four games in charge. Tom Lawrence, Gareth Bale, Aaron Ramsey and Connor Roberts scored in the 4-1 win against the Irish but they were beaten 2-0 by Denmark next up. Last week’s home friendly against Spain proved a chastening experience, meanwhile, as the visitors stormed to a 4-1 win – Sam Vokes scoring Wales’ consolation.
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