Ireland will have to overcome the sports betting odds if they want to qualify for next summer’s World Cup in South Africa, as they couldn’t protect their home-field advantage against France last week.
France vs Ireland
Wednesday, November 18
Stade de France, Paris, France
Kick-Off: 3:00 PM ET
France
Nicolas Anelka’s 72nd-minute goal gave France a 1-0 lead and the vital away goal it needed if this two-legged tie were to go to a tiebreaker. Defender Eric Abidal will not play this game due to injury, which hurts a French back four that has had problems during the World Cup qualifiers.
Ireland
The Irish missed a couple of good chances at home last week, and they haven’t beat a big team away on the road in 22 years. Many are calling for Aiden McGeady to go into the lineup ahead of Liam Lawrence on the wing. Their lack of attacking options, outside of Robbie Keane, hurts their sports betting chances.
Prediction
France is a -215 home favorite according to sports betting odds, while Ireland is listed at +550, and a draw comes in at +265. The French can’t afford to sit back and let Ireland come at them. It wasn’t until the second half of last week’s match that they started to exert their technical dominance on the game, and they have to do that from the start, led by Anelka and captain Thierry Henry up front. Ireland will try to take advantage of France’s defense, but of the nine goals they conceded in 11 matches, only three have come at home.
France vs Ireland sportsbook pick: France -265
Can’t wait for the game but if anybody is thinking of placing a bet on the 2nd leg then read this first: bit.ly/259yOs
It’s a cool article from the Right2Bet campaign website, detailing how the odds you get will be different based upon what country you’re betting in. It’s really interesting stuff and definitely made me pause for thought. You can sign the Right2Bet petition on there too, which will go before the EU Commission when it reaches 1million.