Live on ITV: Weds 20.00: England (1/2, BetVictor) should edge out the Irish in the pair’s international friendly but it could be close.
It’s over 22 years since England faced the Republic of Ireland so there should be something of a derby atmosphere as the pair belatedly renew hostilities at Wembley, albeit in a friendly clash.
Despite the plethora of withdrawals from Roy Hodgson’s squad and the fact that nothing is at stake but pride, the contest should still benefit from a competitive edge as England’s players look to stake a claim for regular inclusion with the World Cup just a year away and the Irish prepare for a qualifier next week.
Nevertheless, even with a depleted line-up, the quality is with the hosts and they’re worthy favourites at 1/2 via BetVictor to seal victory. Giovanni Trapattoni’s charges meanwhile are a 7/1 shot at bet365 to emerge triumphant while it’s 10/3 at Stan James to finish all square, a price that might attract support given that it’s a friendly and the pair’s last three matches have proven inconclusive.
That trio of fixtures all ended one-each, a result that’s 8/1 (William Hill) to be replicated and Stan James offer 11/2 about scores being level at the end of each half but on home soil the ‘Three Lions’ should just about have too much for their Irish neighbours and a narrow home win is where the value lies.
Ladbrokes mark 13/5 against an England triumph by a solitary goal, it’s 17/2 (BetVictor) for a 2-1 home success and Paddy Power price Hodgson’s men at 6/5 to be in front at the end of each half.
Where goals are concerned, Skybet go 4/5 about the fixture generating three or more and bet365 quote an identical 4/5 for both sides to get on the scoresheet. Having finished the season strongly for Liverpool, Daniel Sturridge looks set to get the nod in attack for England in a central role alongside Wayne Rooney.
The Reds front man is 6/1 courtesy of Stan James to break the deadlock and William Hill rate him at 7/4 to find the net at any point while Rooney is 4/1 favourite (Stan James) to open the scoring and Frank Lampard is a 6/1 shot at bet365 in the same market.
Recommended Bets:
England to beat Ireland 2-1 – 17/2 (BetVictor)
Daniel Sturridge to score at any time – 7/4 (William Hill)
Compare England v Rep. of Ireland odds and bet at the best price.
