Kick Off: 2000, 02/06/2018
Stadium: Aviva Stadium
Republic of Ireland have been hit by some injury problems but should have enough strength in depth to see off a very youthful USA squad in Saturday’s Dublin friendly.
The visitors can only call on a handful of players with any significant international experience and that must make them vulnerable at Aviva Stadium.
We’re lumping on a home win at Evens in our Republic of Ireland vs USA betting tips.
A Look At Republic of Ireland’s Betting Odds
Ireland missed out on a place at this summer’s World Cup after finishing second behind Serbia in their qualifying group and then losing to Denmark in a play-off.
However, the 5-1 second-leg thrashing by the Danes was a rare defensive blip, having previously conceded just six times in 10 pool matches before drawing 0-0 in Copenhagen.
The likes of John O’Shea and Seamus Coleman give the men in green a solid look at the back.
Martin O’Neill went with a fresh-faced central midfield trio of Declan Rice, Callum O’Dowda and Alan Browne for Monday’s 2-0 loss to France, but West Brom’s James McClean and Jeff Hendrick of Burnley bring more stability.
The pace of Shane Long and the power of Jon Walters provides a twin threat up front and captain Coleman is hoping to find this weekend’s company more conducive.
He said after the loss to Les Bleus: “We’ll take it on the chin. We need to improve and maybe on Saturday we’ll see a little bit more of the ball and show our composure a bit better.”
Looking at the Republic of Ireland vs USA odds, we like 29/10 for a home win and under 2.5 goals in the game.
A Look At USA’s Betting Odds
USA could only finish fifth of six in the CONCACAF World Cup pool, securing just three wins from 10 fixtures.
The highlight of that campaign was last October’s 4-0 drubbing of Panama, only for a 2-1 loss away to Trinidad and Tobago to end their Russia 2018 dreams four days later.
Since that setback, there have been some encouraging friendly results, with draws against Portugal and Bosnia and Herzegovina followed by a 1-0 victory over Paraguay.
However, interim head coach Dave Sarachan has included 10 rookies in his squad for this trip, with a clash versus France to follow.
“These matches provide another big development opportunity for these players who are growing in their international careers,” commented Sarachan.
Monday’s 3-0 triumph over Bolivia will have boosted morale and PSG teenager Timothy Weah, son of the great AC Milan striker George, is a player to watch out for.
Even so, we will be surprised if this team can break down a well-drilled outfit such as Ireland.
Let’s add 21/10 for a home win to nil to our Republic of Ireland vs USA betting predictions.
Additional stats
Last result:
France 2-0 REPUBLIC OF IRELAND
USA 3-0 Bolivia – Walker Zimmerman, Josh Sargent, Timothy Weah
Head-to-head: Rep of Ire 4-1 USA, Rep of Ire 2-1 USA, USA 1-1 Rep of Ire, USA 2-1 Rep of Ire, USA 3-1 Rep of Ire
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