Internationals 
/ Jaymes Monte / 07 February 2011 / Leave a Comment 
Speed is without a number of key players for his first match in charge.
"Both teams have scored in Ireland’s last four matches while Wales have conceded in each of their last six games, including in a home friendly against Luxembourg."
Gary Speed takes charge of his first game as Wales manager for the Carling Nations Cup opener against Republic of Ireland.
Having been in the job for less than two months Speed is getting his first taste of the frustrations attached to international management. In typical midweek-international-friendly-style a whole spate of first team regulars have pulled out of the Wales squad.
Aaron Ramsey, David Edwards and Ched Evans have withdrawn from an initial squad that was already without Craig Bellamy, Gareth Bale, Boaz Myhill, Craig Morgan and Danny Gabbidon.
Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni isn't without similar problems. Robbie Keane and James McCarthy have both pulled out of the Irish squad due to injury.
Although the participating nations, and Sky, are doing their best to promote the Carling Nations Cup as a worthwhile tournament in its own right, the plethora of withdrawals only serves to highlight that the tournamnet is merely a combination glorified friendlies.
And therefore bettors should treat them as such. Republic of Ireland are made the [1.72] favourites to win this Tuesday's opening fixtures with Wales at [6.6] and the draw at [3.7].
The last time the two sides met in Ireland back in 2007 in a European Championships qualifier the home side won 1-0 courtesy of a Stephen Ireland strike. A late Jason Koumas penalty salvaged a point for the Welsh when rivalries were renewed in Cardiff six months later.
Given the absence of so many key players for Wales any play on the match odds should certainly be leaning towards an Ireland victory.
In the goals betting markets over 2.5 goals is priced at [2.3] with unders around [1.75]. Both teams have scored in Ireland's last four matches while Wales have conceded in each of their last six games, including in a home friendly against Luxembourg.
Both teams to score in this match is priced at [2.0] while the over 2.5 selection certainly looks to hold the value for those interested in punting on the goals markets.
Although Speed's task as manager of Wales is to rebuild the side for future years Republic of Ireland are very much in the hunt for qualification for Euro 2012. Trapattoni's focus will centre around establishing his strongest side for next month's home game against Macedonia.
Best Bet:
Back Over 2.5 goals @ [2.3]
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