Rep of Ireland v Georgia: Back Trap's boys to triumph

 

Daniel McDonnell previews Georgia's visit to Lansdowne Road and predicts goals aplenty and a win for Giovanni Trapattoni's Republic of Ireland side...

 

Giovanni Trapattoni has lived up to his statement that he would field an experimental side in Sunday's international friendly with Georgia at Lansdowne Road.

 

This unglamorous fixture, which stemmed from an Irish favour to the Georgians after their scheduled World Cup qualifier in Tbilisi back in 2008 was moved to Germany by  FIFA, will struggle to attract spectators. But an interesting selection might attract one or two more punters along.

 

Trapattoni has stuck with his preferred 4-4-2 but the decision to select Wes Hoolahan in the centre of midfield, next to James McCarthy, should give his usually  defensive midfield a far more attacking dimension. It will be interesting to see how they adapt, with wingers Andy Keogh and James McClean likely to be encouraged to  tuck in should Hoolahan spring forward.

 

But it could leave Ireland more open than usual and, from a betting perspective, this is a game where goals can be expected. Georgia, who are managed by the fiery ex- Newcastle man Temuri Ketsbaia, have a dreadful away record and their defence can be generous.

 

So, the starting point bet here should be 2.24 on Over 2.5 Goals, and a split stakes with the 4.1 on Over 3.5 Goals could also offer some value.

 

Ireland should keep the ball better, however, with some good link players on the park, and this is a game they can win.

 

Trapattoni is likely to make six substitutions in the second half. He has left Aiden McGeady on the bench, and the Spartak Moscow man has a habit of coming on in these  games and thriving. One of his best performances in a green shirt came from off the bench in a friendly with Bosnia before Euro 2012. Robbie Keane will also be pushing  to come into the game at some stage and win his 125th cap - moving level with record caps holder Shay Given - while his pal Richard Dunne is set for his first 30  minutes since Euro 2012 after a long injury layoff. Sometimes, a team can lose its shape when it makes changes and give away a strong position, but this side are  capable of leading at the break and seeing it out. It's 2.38 about Ireland to lead at half time and full time and the 4.3 about them winning both halves is tempting.

 

At bigger prices, the odds on a 3-1 win for Ireland are likely to be bigger closer to kickoff time and that offers some appeal in the Correct Score market. And, when  the first goal odds market develops, take the 11-20 Minutes option; Ireland have a tendency to strike in that particular window.

 

Recommended Bets

Back Over 2.5 Goals @ 2.24

Back Ireland Half Time/Full Time @ 2.38

Back Ireland to win Both Halves @ 4.3

Back Ireland 3 Georgia 1 in the Correct Score market @ 16.5

Back 11-20 Minutes in the First Goal Odds market

 

Bet HERE

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