WORLD CUP BETTING PICK - BULGARIA V REPUBLIC OF IRELAND

World Cup

2009-06-06 - Bulgaria vs Republic of Ireland

A Sports Betting Pick by Stephen

Bulgaria v Republic of Ireland
Football: FIFA World Cup 2010 European Qualifiers
Saturday 6th June 2009 - Sofia - KO 6.30pm

---

BULGARIA

Bulgaria appointed a new coach in Stanimir Stoilov at the beginning of the year after sacking Plamen Markov. Markov was at the helm after Bulgaria's indifferent start which saw them draw their first 3 games although one of them was at home to World Champions Italy.

However they also suffered a crushing 6-1 defeat to Serbia in a friendly. That coupled with Markov's poor relationship with Captain Dimitar Berbatov saw new boss Stoilov appointed.

Since Stoilov has taken charge, Bulgaria have got their first win in group 8 by beating Cyprus 2-0 and got a deserved point in Dublin in a 1-1 draw with Ireland. They face the Irish again on Saturday in this crucial tie in the battle for second place, and indeed both sides still have a chance of topping the group.

This will be seen as a must win for Bulgaria as they are 5 points behind Ireland with only one game in hand. A draw would leave the advantage with Ireland to fight it with Italy for the top 2 spots, while defeat for Stoilov's side would see their chances of qualification almost gone. They have drawn 4 out of 5 games in the group so far and scored 5 goals in 5 games, while conceding only 3.

Stoilov welcomes back Man City pair Martin Petrov and Valeri Bojinov after their injuries while Dimitar Berbatov also returns having missed both the Cyprus and Ireland games a few months back.

Bulgaria Results to date.
MONTENEGRO 2-2 BULGARIA
BULGARIA 0-0 ITALY
GEORGIA 0-0 BULGARIA
BULGARIA 2-0 CYPRUS
IRELAND 1-1 BULGARIA

IRELAND

Giovanni Trappatoni's side fought out a terrific 1-1 draw in Bari against Italy in April to keep themselves in the hunt to top the group.

A late equaliser from Robbie Keane gave them a deserved point in what was their best performance to date in group 8. The results up to then had been good but the performances had been mostly below par.

There's no doubt that Ireland are in a strong position at the moment for at least the runners up spot which should guarantee them a play off place. They would be very happy with a draw in Sofia on Saturday.

Trappatoni is certainly a manager who knows how to make it difficult for the opposition to play their game and it wouldnt be surprising if he packs the midfield and plays a 4-5-1 formation, especially as key Striker Kevin Doyle will miss the game through injury.

Trappatoni's results have been mostly good but still has his critics in the Irish Media due to his tactics, the absence of Andy Reid in the squad and also it is reckoned that he is not doing enough to get Stephen Ireland back on the international scene.

Goalkeeper Dean Kiely also walked out on the squad last week after being told he would not play any part in the friendly against Nigeria. However most of the squad have been more than impressed with the Italian and the mood in the Irish Camp is certainly positive ahead of the trip to Sofia.

Ireland will play this vital game without the injured Kevin Doyle. Also missing out will be long term absentees Steve Finnan and Stephen Reid. Darron Gibson who came on as sub in Italy also misses out.

Ireland results to date.
GEORGIA 1-2 IRELAND
MONTENEGRO 0-0 IRELAND
IRELAND 1-0 CYPRUS
IRELAND 2-1 GEORGIA
IRELAND 1-1 BULGARIA
ITALY 1-1 IRELAND

THE BETTING VERDICT

It think this will be a very tight game and a low scoring one too.

I expect Ireland to frustrate the Bulgarians who will certainly be out to attack from the off as they really need the 3 points.

I think a DRAW at 9/4 is the most likely out come.

The Statistics :

The Pick :

BEST BETTING TIP :

I think a DRAW at 9/4 is the most likely out come.

Also consider the under 2.5 goals option at 8/13