CAN Ireland bounce back to winning ways when they entertain USA in an international friendly from Dublin? Mark O’Haire (@MarkOHaire) explores the best bets.
Republic of Ireland v USA | Tuesday 19.45 | Premier Sports
Neither Ireland nor USA will enter tonight’s Dublin showdown fielding anything near their strongest XIs and that makes finding a punt from the AVIVA Stadium a tricky prospect.
Martin O’Neill will be desperate to end 2014 on a high after Friday’s morale-denting defeat to Scotland but with just two friendly wins from 10 to their name, the Boys In Green don’t appeal as 7/5 shots (William Hill).
But neither can the Americans (11/5 William Hill) considering Jurgen Klinsmann's team will take to the field with a number of youngsters and untried internationals.
Having already left star players Clint Dempsey and Michael Bradley at home, Klinsmann has now allowed Jermaine Jones, DeAndre Yedlin, Lee Nguyen and DaMarcus Beasley all to return to the States in order to prepare for the MLS play-offs.
USA suffered a 2-1 defeat to Colombia in a London friendly on Friday but having leaked just one goal before half-time in their last 12 internationals, it could pay to back the second-half as the Highest Scoring Half at 13/10 with Betfair with small stakes.
It’s a bet that’s won in Ireland’s last four home friendlies and with the Americans arriving towards the end of their domestic season, fatigue could become an issue as we enter the second 45-minutes.
Best Bet
Ireland v USA – ‘Second-Half’ Highest Scoring Half (13/10 Betfair)
