Republic of Ireland vs New Zealand
14th November 1945hrs
Football – International – Friendly
Pick Republic of Ireland
Bookmaker Betvictor
Odds: 3/5 odds taken 2000 GMT, Wednesday 13 November)
The Republic of Ireland have a huge game to come on Monday in their quest to make it to Euro 2020 and they will be hoping to go into it on the back of a good performance and win in this friendly match with New Zealand.
International Friendly Betting at Betvictor
Republic of Ireland Preview – Can the Irish head into Monday’s crucial clash in confident mood?
Ireland’s hopes of qualifying for Euro 2020 is going to come down to one game as they prepare to host Denmark knowing that they will almost certainly have to win in order to finish in the top two and avoid the drama of the Nations League playoffs. The fact that this Irish team, who with the greatest of respect are very limited, have managed to take it to the final game of qualification in a group that contains Switzerland as well is testament to the job that Mick McCarthy has done since taking over in 2018. Expectations were set pretty low following a poor Nations League campaign and failure to qualify for the last World Cup. Somewhat ironically, it was Denmark who ended their hopes on both occasions.
McCarthy will use this game to blood some of the younger players who have been so impressive in the youth teams. It’s also preparing for life under Stephen Kenny who will take over at the end of the European Championships next year. It looks a perfect opportunity to freshen things up and see what the future holds because, as gritty and determined as Ireland have been in qualification, the quality and ability has been sometimes lacking, scoring only six goals in seven qualifiers.
New Zealand Preview – Will the Kiwis continue their unbeaten form and shock their hosts?
It may be a long way to go for a friendly but New Zealand will travel to Dublin on Thursday in very confident mood following their success in the Pacific Games. It was a competition they would be expecting to win and they did so in relatively good style, beating New Caledonia 2-1 in the final. It’s a welcome return to some winning form for the Kiwis who had previously been struggling to find any sort of win. Indeed, they went on a run of 12 games recording just one victory. Coach Fritz Schmid will be hoping that his team can continue that better form as they come into this game and another friendly game when traveling to face Lithuania on Sunday – a game that will close out their year.
Chris Wood continues to be New Zealand’s biggest star in footballing terms and the Burnley forward will pose the greatest threat to Ireland on Thursday. Wood has scored in his last two clubs games and is well on course to beat his tally of 10 goals in the previous season. Providing he is fit to take his place, Wood will be making his first appearance for his country in over two years.
Key-Facts – Republic of Ireland vs New Zealand
- Mick McCarthy will use this game to give some younger players a game ahead of Ireland’s huge clash with Denmark on Monday
- New Zealand won the Pacific Games during the summer, a tournament that seen them recpature some much needed form
- Chris Wood is a doubt for his country but would be making his first appearance in over two years for New Zealand if fit
Republic of Ireland vs New Zealand Betting Advice
It may not be a game that excites too many people – even supporters of both nations – but it’s an intriguing one all the same. The Irish team will look very different to the one that will take the field on Monday and that should see a slightly different approach and style of play. For the visitors it’s all about testing them against strong European opponents, and they’ll get another chance to do that at the weekend.
Although it’s going to be a much changed Republic of Ireland team McCarthy is a coach who will be targeting victory as he knows games managing his country are running out. New Zealand are likely to be stubborn opponents but the home team should prevail in the end.
