Wales vs Ireland Prediction & Betting Tips - UEFA Nations League

Prediction published on 13/11/2020, 07:31  by James | Modified on 13/11/2020 at 08:31 in UEFA Nations League Prediction

Two opponents who are sick of the sight of each other meet again this Sunday when Wales welcome the Republic of Ireland to Cardiff City Stadium for a Group 4 clash in League B of the Nations League. The pair have played each other six times since 2017 with two games going the way of Wales, one for Ireland, and the other three ending level. With the exception of a 4-1 hiding that Ireland took in 2018, every game has been low on goals with five featuring fewer than two. Wales, looking to get promoted, are top of the group with 10 points from their opening four games. Ireland, in third, desperately need points if they are to avoid demotion. Two points from four games is a poor return, even taking into account that a new manager, Stephen Kenny, is trying to develop a new style of play with the Boys in Green. Kenny has had a disastrous start to his reign, losing four and winning none of his first six games in charge. The context of this poor run should be considered. Ireland have played nice football at times and they have also been unlucky to lose players due to outbreaks of Covid-19 in the squad. Still, it's a results business and Kenny knows that.

Wales have managerial problems of their own. Their boss, Ryan Giggs, has found himself in trouble with the law away from the pitch and won't be in charge of any games during this international break. Unbeaten in three games, Wales should be able to navigate through this clash without their manager on the sideline. All three of those games featured fewer than two goals. Unbeaten in their last eight home matches, five of which featured fewer than two goals, Wales won't be worried by Ireland. Three of Ireland's last five matches featured fewer than two goals. Expect more of the same here. Back under 1.5 goals.