Prediction: Republic of Ireland vs Denmark

Verdict: Under 1.5 goals

Best Odds: 13/10

Bookmakers: 888sport

The Republic of Ireland play host to Denmark following a high-intensity draw in Copenhagen. Irish are keen to make that one huge step towards the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia in front of their own fans in Dublin, but Danes hope they will have a say in a tantalisingly open fixture.

Republic of Ireland

Martin O’Neal’s men did what they do best in Copenhagen. The Republic of Ireland sat back to grind out a goalless draw in the first leg of the crucial qualifying play-off against Denmark.

The Irish frustrated the Danes leaving little fight left in them in the closing stages of the game but that’s not the kind of approach that will get them to Russia. With only two shots on goal and with mere 32% possession, the Irish have nothing to be proud of following the first match at the Telia Parken. O’Neill’s men struggled to keep hold of the ball and give meaning to their efforts against the motivated Danes and on-ball play is one of the biggest areas to improve for the return leg in Dublin. With plenty at stake and their first World Cup in 16 years up for grabs, Irish will be determined to make amends in front of home supporters and put in a much better fight.

Team News

Martin O’Neill is unlikely to ring plenty of changes to his line-up.

Hendrick and Arter are poised for another starting berth, whereas Shane Long could be introduced from the off at the expense of Daryl Murphy.

Denmark

Danes deserved to win the first leg and there is no denying it. Age Hareide’s men showed lack of composure and determination needed to break tenacious Irish and ended up growing desperate in the end.

Denmark had three fine chances to score during the first 90 minutes of this double-tier, two of which were excellent by the way. Jens Stryger Larsen failed to make use of a wonderful diagonal ball down the right with his shot being kept out by Darren Randolph. Andreas Cornelius latched on a deflection but he ended up hitting it straight into Irish goalkeeper. The second chance came at the hands of Denmark’s biggest star Christian Eriksen, a leading scorer in World Cup qualifiers. Tottenham man was denied by in-form Randolph however, while Pione Sisto failed to make use of a loose ball, firing it wide from a tight angle.

Team News

Danes could adopt a more careful approach this time and go with two players upfront instead of three they opted for in Copenhagen.

Jorgensen is expected to lead the way while Nicklas Bendtner could be his partner from the start.

Key Factors to Consider

• Republic of Ireland are pushing for their first World Cup in 16 years
• Denmark dominated the first leg with 68% possession to Ireland’s 32%
• Danes made 13 attempts towards goal in the first match
• Republic of Ireland had two shots on target
• Denmark extended their unbeaten run to 10 consecutive matches
• Ireland haven’t conceded a single goal in last three games

Conclusion

With everything to play for and the World Cup place at stake, both Republic of Ireland and Denmark will give their best to keep their nets still in the first place. We’re in for another high-pressure game that could result in a closely-contested affair in Dublin without goals on both ends.

Verdict: Under 1.5 goals

Best Odds: 13/10

Bookmakers: 888sport