Ireland v Brazil Betting: Striker Keane fit to play

Although luck was not with the Irish in their World Cup qualification playoff against France last November, boss Giovanni Trapattoni is still confident that there are good times ahead for the Republic of Ireland. Tuesday night sees them back in action for the first time since that tragic “Hand of Henry” night, and they will be doing all they can to give World Cup 2010 favourites Brazil, a real run for their money. For Brazil, this is the last run out they will get before the World Cup in South Africa starts on June 11th.

Trapattoni has been boosted by the fact that Robbie Keane joined up with the squad ahead of the match at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium, after he was initially ruled out through injury. The Spurs striker, currently on loan with Celtic until the end of the season, picked up an injury on the derby day match against Rangers, but has been declared fit. There will be some doubt over him starting though, but the temptation may be to leave him on the bench instead of sending him out up front with Kevin Doyle.

The could be some new faces on the pitch for the Irish during the friendly, as Trapattoni starts planning for an assault on qualification for Euro 2012. Brazil are travelling to London with pretty much a full squad, which includes Kaka, but there are a couple of notable exceptions. When Brazilian coach announced his squad for this match some time ago, AC Milan’s Ronaldinho wasn’t a part of it, despite being in great form for his club. Also missing from the line up will be phenomenal hot-shot, Sevilla striker Luis Fabiano, who will miss the encounter after picking up an injury. The Irish defence will be happy about that, no doubt, who will be without the stabilising presence of Aston Villa’s Richard Dunne.

Match Prices:
Ireland to win: 15/2 at Victor Chandler
Draw: 3/1 at Bet365
Brazil to win: 1/2 at Totesport