Republic of Ireland vs Greece betting tips 13/10/2023
Stephen Kenny’s men find themselves in the last-chance saloon as they prepare to face Greece at the Aviva Stadium on Friday night.
Predicted score
- Republic of Ireland 1-0 Greece
Suggested bets
- Republic of Ireland to win
- Under 2.5 goals
- Both teams to score: No
Republic of Ireland vs Greece – verdict
Anything other than a victory for Ireland will end their hopes of qualification, while a win for the Netherlands against France is just as damning.
The hope is that Les Blues will continue their all-conquering form and if they do, victory for the Irish will leave them just three points behind second place.
Despite controlling the ball and equalizing in the first leg, Stephen Kenny’s team was unable to stop Greece’s forward momentum.
The reverse is likely to be a much cagier affair because Greece are a lesser side on their travels, but it will suit Ireland to be able to control the tempo.
Nine of Ireland’s previous 11 home qualifiers have had under 2.5 goals, while Greece have witnessed two or fewer goals in nine of their last 12 away from home.
Despite edging the reverse and making the most of their fixtures against Gibraltar, Greece haven’t done anything standout in this qualifying campaign.
Gus Poyet’s side have almost exclusively beaten low-ranking sides in the past two years, and we haven’t seen them at a major tournament since 2016.
Another notable trend in their 12 most recent away qualifiers is that both teams have scored just three times. In all competitions dating back to October 2021, both teams have scored twice.
Taking everything into account, coupled with the fact Ireland are unbeaten in 25 of 32 home qualifiers, we’re expecting an extremely tight, low-scoring game.
However, we think the hosts can rise to the occasion and pinch it.
