Live on Sky Sports 1&3: Weds 19.45: Russia (2/5, Boylesports), Ireland & Brazil combine in an international football treble at a tempting 11/2 (Hills).
Northern Ireland can’t qualify for the World Cup so they’re effectively just playing for fourth position in Group F but second-placed Russia are still very much in the hunt for top spot and they subsequently need the points desperately as the two teams lock horns in Belfast.
Accordingly then, the visitors are emphatic favourites at 2/5 via Boylesports and the hosts are 17/2 courtesy of Stan James to secure an unlikely three points.
It’s as high as 18/5 (888Sport) to finish all square at Windsor Park but Russia have been particularly defensively strong of late while Northern Ireland struggle for goals so it’s difficult to envisage anything other than an away success.
Skybet post even money against Fabio Capello’s charges prevailing ‘to nil’ and Paddy Power price them at 5/1 to notch twice without reply.
That’s the only qualifier being played but there are also a few televised friendlies for punters to sink their teeth into. In Cardiff, Wales host Ireland and bookies believe there isn’t much between the sides, William Hill for example, quoting both at 17/10 to emerge triumphant.
Nevertheless, the Irish are well organised and will come up against a vulnerable Welsh outfit set to be without star man Gareth Bale so the away side get the nod.
Elsewhere, Germany are a banker at 2/7 (Betfred) as they come up against Paraguay and in-form Brazil are cracking value at 8/11 via Coral as they head to a stuttering Switzerland.
Recommended Bets:
Russia to beat Northern Ireland ‘to nil’ – evens (Skybet)
Treble on Russia, Ireland and Brazil – 11/2 (William Hill)
Compare all international football odds and bet at the best price.
