BELGIUM v REPUBLIC OF IRELAND
Saturday 18th June 2016 – Kickoff: 1500hrs
Football – Europe – Euro 2016 Betting Tips
Belgium deservedly sit bottom of Group E following a decidedly ordinary display against Italy where they failed to take any of the clear-cut chances in front of goal that they created, and the Italians showed why they’re so difficult to beat once they go ahead in a match.
Belgium have been the most disappointing of the major nations in this tournament so far (perhaps along with England), as they failed to push Italy in what was anticipated to be a close game before kick-off.
Striker Lukaku was disappointing, but Origi was guilty of a couple of glaring misses and looks destined to be on the bench for this encounter against Republic of Ireland. Belgium offered very little in terms of attacking ability, and they didn’t have a Plan B which could hold them back again on Saturday afternoon.
Republic of Ireland achieved a solid point against Sweden in their first group match as they drew 1-1 which would have been a satisfying start for Martin O’Neill’s side, and their goal of staying alive in the group has been achieved so far.
On Saturday they face Belgium in what promises to be another interesting game, and if I know O’Neill, he’ll set his side up to press hard, work hard and ultimately frustrate Belgium into making mistakes.
The Irish certainly won’t make life easy for a star-studded Belgium side who still look as though they haven’t quite clicked together as a unit. Look out for striker Shane Long and how hard he’ll work up front to close down the Belgian defence and prevent them from walking the ball from out of their final third.
Another close one on the cards.
Pick: Under 2.5 goals @ 1.81 Unibet
