International
2009-03-28 - Republic of Ireland vs Bulgaria
A Sports Betting Pick by Stephen
Football: International, FIFA World Cup 2010
European (UEFA) Qualifiers
Saturday, 28th March 2009 - Kickoff 19:45
IRELAND (Group 8 - 2nd - 3-1-0 5:2)
The Group 8 table makes for great reading for Giovanni Trappatoni's side. Second only on goal difference to Italy, a win against Bulgaria on Saturday would set them well on their way to at least second place in the group and would have them going to Italy next Wednesday full of confidence for the groups biggest game so far.
However the performances in this campaign have not been great and only in the second half against Georgia last time out did Ireland really start to click. The performance of Aiden Mcgeady on that occasion was especially encouraging and earned him the man of the match award. Keith Andrews also impressed that night and has come out in the media this week claiming they are good enough to win the group.
One stat that will worry Trappatoni's side is that they have not beaten a seeded side since beating Holland in 2001. 2 defeats and 4 draws in key group games since then is one record that they will look to end in this game. But with Kevin Doyle and Robbie Keane up front they should have enough firepower to trouble the Bulgarian defence.
Ireland will have to do without Damien Duff who suffered a hamstring injury on Thursday in training. Aiden Mcgeay sat out training but is expected to start while Shay Given who hurt his shoulder at the weekend also looks set to start as Ireland are almost at full strength for this clash.
BULGARIA (Group 8 - 3rd - 0-3-0 2:2)
New Bulgaria boss Stanimir Stoilov faces a tough test in his first game in charge. With only 3 points from 3 games, Bulgaria can't afford a defeat in this game and currently lie 7 points behind Ireland in third with only one game in hand.
Previous boss Plalem Markov was in charge for the first 3 games and his reign ended after a 6-1 thrashing in a friendly against Serbia. Reports of unrest in the camp didn't help his cause and Bulgaria now face a huge uphill battle to make South Africa next year.
To make matters worse they will have to do without two of their most important players in Dimitar Berbatov and Martin Petrov who are both injured. Berbatov may be accused of being moody and lazy but he scores plenty of goals and no doubt the Irish defence will be happy at his absence.
Hertha Berlin have also refused to release Valeri Domovchiyski who was not called on time. Manchester City player Valeri Bojinov is also out through injury. The replacements for these key players wont have the same experience and this may give Ireland the edge in this one.
Statistics
Last 5 Ireland matches :
11.02.09 WCE G8 Rep. of Ireland-Georgia 2:1
19.11.08 FRIEND Rep. of Ireland-Poland 2:3
15.10.08 WCE G8 Rep. of Ireland-Cyprus 1:0
10.09.08 WCE G8 Montenegro-Rep. of Ireland 0:0
06.09.08 WCE G8 Georgia-Rep. of Ireland 1:2
Last 5 Bulgaria matches
11.02.09 FRIEND Switzerland - Bulgaria 1:1
19.11.08 FRIEND Serbia - Bulgaria 6:1
15.10.08 WCE G8 Georgia - Bulgaria 0:0
11.10.08 WCE G8 Bulgaria - Italy 0:0
06.09.08 WCE G8 Montenegro - Bulgaria 2:2
GROUP 8 TABLE
Team M W D L F A Pts
1 Italy 4 3 1 0 6 2 10
2 Ireland 4 3 1 0 5 2 10
3 Bulgaria 3 0 3 0 2 2 3
4 Montenegro 3 0 2 1 3 4 2
5 Georgia 5 0 2 3 3 7 2
6 Cyprus 3 0 1 2 2 4 1
THE BETTING VERDICT
It's an Ireland win for me. I think this game will be tight and low scoring.
Bulgaria have been very poor in this group and have struggled to find the net. They will be missing key attacking players as well making their task even more difficult.
BEST BETTING TIP :
10/11 for the Ireland win is very good value.Another good bet for me is the under 2.5 goals but the price is a very short 4/7.
