International Friendlies Predictions > Oct 8th - 12th

[StevieDay1983]

Republic of Ireland vs Qatar

The 2022 World Cup qualifiers might be delivering some interesting betting choices but there's also some international friendlies taking place during this international window that give us pause for thought. Republic of Ireland host World Cup hosts Qatar in a friendly on Tuesday night in a 7:45pm BST kick-off from the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.

Republic of Ireland enjoy this exhibition game this week because as the spare team in Group A they will face Qatar in a friendly. The Boys in Green might already be eliminated from qualification but the nation will be buzzing after the 3-0 win away to Azerbaijan. That win has left Stephen Kenny's side in 4th place and just 1 point behind Luxembourg in 3rd position with 2 group games to play. It's now 3 matches undefeated for Republic of Ireland and just 1 loss from the last 7 games. Kenny is expected to rotate his side with Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher set to make his first start for the national team with Jason Knight and Jamie McGrath other potential starters.

Qatar continue their preparations to host the World Cup next winter with another testing friendly. The two sides contested a tight 1-1 draw out in Debrecen in Hungary when they last met back in March. Republic of Ireland are in a slightly different, and more positive, place than then so this could be a tougher challenge for the Maroon. Head coach Felix Sanchez will want his side to improve on their current winless run of 5 matches including 4 defeats. The 3-0 loss to Portugal away in their most recent match showing just how fragile their defence can be and how impotent their attack might be. 

I can see this being another win for Republic of Ireland. Qatar are in a woeful run of form and even though they are only friendlies you have to wonder if the Qatari football association are considering making any changes ahead of next winter's showpiece event. 25,000 fans will be turning out to watch this game and they'll spur an experimental Irish side onto a win against an out-of-form and demoralised visiting Qatar team.

Republic of Ireland to Win @ 1.89 with SBK

Total Goals Scored Under 2.5 @ 1.65 with Mansion Bet